Barrhaven woman continues to defy odds four years after having a stroke
After a Barrhaven woman suffered a stroke and was left completely paralyzed four years ago, she’s inspiring friends and family by defying the odds, as she celebrates a number of firsts this year.
"After four years of always relying on everybody, it feels good to be able to do something on my own,” said Sophie Leblond Robert.
Saturday was a big milestone for the mother of two, as she jumped off the dock at her cottage for the first time in years.
"You just can't give up, there's been so many things that I've been able to just keep doing and nobody was expecting,” she said.
It’s that sense of determination that’s helped her defy the odds all these years, after doctors told her she would likely never walk again.
"I was not supposed to move again, I was completely paralyzed and they thought that I would pretty much stay paralyzed,” she said.
Out of the blue her life changed forever, while she was gardening in her backyard in June of 2020.
"All of a sudden, luckily the fence was right beside me that I leaned back and lost full use of my legs," she said.
She was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with a rare disordered called Locked-in Syndrome -- a condition in which she is aware of her surroundings, but cannot move or communicate because nearly all of her muscles are paralyzed.
"I couldn't breath, I couldn't talk, I couldn't do anything but blink my eyes. It was quite the traumatic experience,” Sophie said.
After six months, she was released from hospital and has been beating the odds ever since.
"She never doubted herself. She’s always had such a high drive and willingness to do all this hard work and it's paying off,” said her husband Martin Robert.
The former painter and interior designer completed her first painting this year, she’s learning French again and walked two kilometers in the CN Cycle for CHEO last month. She’s even learning to drive all over again.
"Because I didn't give up, I did the test four times and finally passed and so I got my G1 and now I'm ready to go to the next level,” she said.
As she celebrates her 39th birthday this weekend, she’s not done. With help from her team of therapists, she’s determined to walk again in high heels.
"If there's one thing I can get out there, it's the word of advice to just never give up,” she added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Biden delivers remarks following Trump's win
U.S. President Joe Biden delivered remarks to the nation Thursday in what was his first appearance on camera following Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.
New DNA evidence rewrites long-told stories of people in ancient Pompeii
When a volcanic eruption buried the ancient city of Pompeii, the last desperate moments of its citizens were preserved in stone for centuries.
PM Trudeau revives Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee after Trump win
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving a special cabinet committee dedicated to Canada-U.S. relations, following Republican Donald Trump's re-election.
The world's 10 richest people got a record US$64 billion richer from Trump's re-election
Wednesday wasn't just a good day for Donald Trump. The wealth of the world’s 10 richest people also soared by a record amount, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
Police in southern Mexico find 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway
Police in a southern Mexico region rife with drug cartel violence have found 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway, prosecutors in the state of Guerrero said Thursday.
Video shows suspect shooting man inside Markham, Ont. garage
Police have released video footage showing a suspect shooting a man inside a Markham garage in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon.
Wayne Gretzky, Elon Musk and a few pro golfers: Here's who attended Trump's victory party
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump welcomed a variety of attendees at his victory celebrations in Florida this week, from his family, supporters and political allies to a selection of high-profile figures.
Who ruined Hobo Hot Springs? Ministry investigates as mystery roils Harrison, B.C.
The steaming waters in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, 130 kilometres east of Vancouver, could once be enjoyed in pools known as the Hobo Hot Springs for free — unlike the neighbouring Harrison Hot Springs Resort where users of its pools must be resort guests.
43 monkeys escape from a South Carolina medical lab. Police say there is no serious danger
Forty-three monkeys escaped from a compound used for medical research in South Carolina but the nearby police chief said there is "almost no danger" to the public.