Help Alisha Get Back On Her Feet

Alisha Beaudoin’s life was changed this fall when she suddenly lost function and sensation in her legs. A fourth year medical student, Alisha was looking forward to clinical elective rotations in plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery while she prepared to receive her medical doctorate in a few short months. 


On October 5th 2020, Alisha went to the emergency room with symptoms of the stomach flu. Less than 24 hours later, she had lost entire function and sensation below her waist, and was diagnosed with a rare condition called transverse myelitis. 


Over the weeks and months that ensued, Alisha was seen by a diverse team of medical experts, none of whom had seen a case like hers before. Ultimately, Alisha was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and was told her immune system was attacking her spine. She was started on an aggressive medical regimen to try and stop the inflammation that was ascending her spinal cord. 


Alisha has not left the hospital since October 5th. Although her care team remains optimistic about her recovery and the impressive gains she has made so far with physiotherapy, Alisha remains confined to a wheelchair. They are unsure when, or if, she will walk again. 


To say that Alisha’s family has been supportive during this time would be an understatement. Her mother Terri and her father Dan have been with her since she was admitted, alternating which one has been at her bedside because of the COVID-19 restrictions. Even with all of this support, Alisha is facing unforeseen medical costs and costs of living, including outfitting a new wheelchair, renovating her parents’ home to be wheelchair accessible, paying off eight years of student debt and paying rent on the home she shares with her partner, Trevor - to name only a few. 


For this reason, we are asking for the public’s help to ease the financial burden of the Beaudoin family during this unimaginably stressful and life changing time. Anyone who knows Alisha knows her to be a generous, loving and kind person with a sharp sense of humour, who cares deeply for those around her (including her beloved four-year-old red lab, Oliver). Her courage and positivity during this ordeal have been nothing short of inspiring. We want to provide her with every possible support so she can continue to focus on her recovery and not worry about financial stressors. 


If you are able, please consider donating to this fund. All money raised will be given directly to Alisha and her family. Every donation, large or small, makes a difference towards Alisha’s recovery.