Similar to a stroke, blood flow to the spinal cord can be compromised when diagnosed.
SUMMIT, NJ — The Union County community is rallying around a former student who is fighting an extremely uncommon diagnosis that has left him unable to walk.
Jonathan Liang is an 18-year-old former volleyball player who was a leader on the Summit High School team. During his years there, he was a mentor to younger kids who aspired to join the team one day and play at a higher level.
Phil Vehap, the father of one of Jonathan’s closest friends and former teammates, says this sentiment carries off the court as well. “Jonathan is a kind, even-tempered, and highly intelligent young man. He is a dedicated friend who is compassionate and caring.”
This summer, Jonathan took a trip out to California before beginning his engineering studies over the next few months at Lehigh University. While there, he decided to take a surfing lesson in Laguna Beach.
Shortly after he got off the board, he began feeling tired and felt lower back soreness that progressed into severe pain and spasms. He was diagnosed with Surfer’s Myelopathy, an uncommon spinal cord injury that affects first-time and novice surfers.
The condition is a result of spinal cord compression from prolonged hyperextension of the spine that can also lead to neurological disorders. Similar to a stroke, blood flow to the spinal cord can be compromised.
According to the Hawaii State Department of Health, Jonathan’s case accounts for one of less than 100 known cases worldwide. He is now unable to walk and has no feeling below his waist.
“I’m hopeful that people see my setback and realize that life could be so much worse,” Jonathan says. “I just want to walk again.”
Under prompt treatment, temporary paraplegia can be treated before it progresses into long-term complications.
After being flown back to New Jersey, his journey took him to West Orange where he is now undergoing occupational therapy at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. This is the same group that treated actor Christopher Reeves following his 1995 spinal cord injury from a horse riding accident left him paralyzed.
Today, the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, dedicated to curing spinal cord injuries by advancing research and improving patients’ quality of life, is headquartered in Short Hills, NJ.
Liang knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but he remains optimistic about getting back to the activities he enjoyed freely before his diagnosis. “Cooking and grilling… I love doing that. Running always made me feel better about myself,” Liang says. “I really want to get back to that and working out at the gym with my friends.”
Now, Vehap is helping the Liang family fight alongside Jonathan as they struggle to reach a goal of fundraising $250,000 to fund the necessary costs that insurance will not cover.
“Hearing the news from Jonathan’s parents immediately reminded me how fragile life can be. The close call experiences we’ve all had, avoided, and maybe even recovered from aren’t a guarantee,” Vehap adds. “I encourage anyone with a loved one to give them a hug, appreciate all they have, and empower them to live their lives as fully as possible.”
Friends and family say Jonathan is surrounded by love and that no donation is too small. All gifts will go directly towards helping him get back on his way to his independence with dignity and strength.
Those looking to join the fight can do so with a digital donation or a check by visiting the Jonathan Liang gofundme page.
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