In November 2018, Carlo Onorato, a 20-year-old barber and soccer player from Adelaide, experienced a life-altering event when he woke up paralyzed from the chest down. He had been struck by transverse myelitis, a rare disease known for causing inflammation in the spinal cord. This sudden onset of the disease left Mr. Onorato in a dire condition, and his chances of survival seemed bleak. Despite the lack of a cure for transverse myelitis, he has shown immense strength and perseverance in his journey towards recovery.
Mr. Onorato, now 25 years old and a C6 quadriplegic, bravely shares the difficulties he faces on a daily basis, while holding onto hope that he can once again enjoy the activities he once loved. The night he fell ill, he woke up with the need to use the restroom, only to find that his legs wouldn’t move. The pain was intense, and he was left bewildered and paralyzed. Rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, he was immediately put into an induced coma.
His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a series of complications that required emergency surgery. The situation was so dire that his family was told to prepare for the worst. As Mr. Onorato reflects on the experience, he can only imagine how difficult it must have been for his loved ones to witness his sudden decline. Fortunately, after a month in the intensive care unit, his condition improved, and he was transferred to the general ward. Over the course of several months, he underwent extensive treatment, including surgeries and a nine-month rehabilitation program.
For Mr. Onorato, the reality of his paralysis didn’t fully sink in until after he had left the hospital. Initially, he held onto the hope that he would regain the ability to walk within a few weeks or months. However, the truth of his situation became evident as he came to terms with being a quadriplegic. Transverse myelitis disrupted the communication between his spinal cord nerves and the rest of his body, resulting in paralysis from the chest down. Despite living with constant pain and being unable to return to work, Mr. Onorato remains determined to reclaim aspects of his life.
Currently, he has regained his driver’s license and is in the process of moving into a new apartment. While some individuals with transverse myelitis can regain partial or full use of their limbs, Mr. Onorato still hopes for the day when he can walk and move like he did before the onset of the disease. It is estimated that between 20 and 50 Australians are affected by transverse myelitis each year. Recognizing the importance of raising awareness about spinal injuries, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute is conducting three trials to better understand the long-term effects of spinal cord injuries. Mr. Onorato has become an inspiration for many, shedding light on how these injuries can occur. To support spinal cord research, donations are being sought during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week at sahmri.au/NSCDonate or by emailing [email protected].
In conclusion, Carlo Onorato’s journey from being a healthy young barber to facing paralysis due to transverse myelitis is a story of strength and resilience. While his life has been significantly altered, he continues to strive for a better future and remains an inspiration to others.
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