Story 26: From A Hospital Bed To 5K!
In July 2023, after weeks of worsening numbness, muscle spasms, falls, and loss of mobility, Nick Traversy arrived at QCH searching for answers. His symptoms were eventually diagnosed as transverse myelitis (TM), a rare neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord that can dramatically impact mobility.
TM affects approximately one in one million people each year. Many patients face long-term mobility challenges, with some requiring wheelchairs or walking aids permanently.
At QCH, Nick underwent extensive testing and began an intensive rehabilitation journey supported by physicians, nurses, technicians, volunteers and physiotherapists who he says treated him with compassion and positivity every step of the way.
By October 2023, Nick began physiotherapy with one goal in mind: work hard and keep progressing. Over time, he moved from a wheelchair to a walker, then canes, and eventually regained enough strength to run again.
Back On His Feet
Nick is back at work and travelling again, from walking miles through New York City to planning future adventures like a trip to Machu Picchu. Along the way, he’s also relearned how to run.
This year, he’s participating in the Ottawa Race Weekend — not to chase personal records, but to raise awareness for transverse myelitis and to support others facing similar journeys. Partnering with QCH and the Canadian Transverse Myelitis Association, he’ll be running a 5K while wearing a custom jersey dedicated to advocacy, resilience, and recovery.
“Last year’s goal was just to prove to myself that I could run,” Nick said. “This year’s goal is to advocate and raise awareness for transverse myelitis.”
Today, Nick continues to share his story to inspire others facing difficult recoveries and to thank the QCH team that helped him regain his independence.
“The positivity that was born here really carried me through,” he said. “And it still does.”
