Determined Teen Defies Odds, Regains Mobility After Rare Paralysis Diagnosis

In November 2025, Relly Ladner's inspiring story of overcoming a rare and debilitating condition is making headlines. Back in May 2017, when Ladner was just 17 years old and playing soccer at one of the top academies in the US, she experienced a sudden onset of tingling and numbness in her legs. Despite her coach's urging to keep playing, Ladner knew something was wrong.

That evening, the numbness worsened, and by the next morning, Ladner could no longer move her legs at all. Rushed to the hospital, she was devastatingly diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that attacks the nerves. Doctors were unsure if she would ever walk again, let alone return to the soccer field.

Unwilling to accept this prognosis, Ladner spent the next 8 months tirelessly relearning how to move, walk, run, and play soccer. Her determination paid off, and by January 2018, she was discharged from rehabilitation, able to resume her athletic pursuits.

Now 25 years old and living in New York City, Ladner has not only returned to soccer but has also discovered a passion for running. She has completed 3 marathons, including the New York City marathon twice, using her experience to motivate herself to push past any obstacles. Ladner's story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of resilience and the ability to overcome even the most daunting of challenges.