Toowoomba teen Skye Chequer, mum Connie Stanford open up about shock spinal stroke which left teen unable to walk

The teen began to feel ill while at school and within 24 hours she was in the hospital’s ICU in an induced coma with doctors warning she may become a quadriplegic after a horrific medical episode.

As this time of year most high school seniors are looking forward to their graduation and the start of their adult lives, but tragically for Skye Chequer, she’s facing the hardest challenge of her life.

The Toowoomba teen’s life was turned upside down when a freak, life-threatening incident on May 16 left her in the ICU and unable to walk.

The 17-year-old’s mum Connie Stanford picked Skye up from school after she reported feeling weak in the legs, neck pain, numb hands and shortness of breath.

Initially the physical symptoms for Skye were similar to a panic attack but when she came home to have a shower, it quickly became clear something was seriously wrong.

Toowoomba State High School student Skye Chequer has been left in the ICU and unable to walk after experiencing a freak medical episode.

Skye was unable to feel the temperature of the water and then she was struggling to walk.

Ms Stanford phoned the ambulance and her daughter was rushed to Toowoomba Hospital.

While waiting in the emergency department, Skye quickly deteriorated and when she attempted to stand, she collapsed.

Watching in horror, Ms Stanford was left feeling helpless as her daughter struggled to breathe and was resuscitated in a hospital bed.

By 5am the next morning, the teen was placed in an induced coma.

“The radiologist told me there was a 95 per cent chance her spinal cord had died and she would be a quadriplegic for the rest of her life,” Ms Stanford said.

“They had no idea what or why this happened – this doesn’t happen to young people.

“It was devastating. I went into shock, I fell into a heap and I just started crying uncontrollably.”

Toowoomba State High School student Skye Chequer has been left in the ICU and unable to walk after experiencing a freak medical episode.

Stroke and neurologist specialists were called in from across the country to assess Skye and determined she had suffered a spinal stroke after a blood clot formed in one of the arteries of her vertebrae.

But the shocking medical emergency remains a mystery with no family history of the condition and no prior health complaints.

Skye was always an active young woman who loved playing volleyball with her friends and walking her dog.

After a series of complications, the teen has now regained consciousness, has been taken off a breathing tube and has been able to swallow soft foods.

But the journey is far from over for Skye as she is set to be transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital this week.

She will eventually commence physiotherapy and depending on the cause, may also require spinal surgery.

Toowoomba State High School student Skye Chequer who is pictured with her mum Connie Stanford, has been left in the ICU and unable to walk after experiencing a freak medical episode.

Describing her daughter as a “special girl” Ms Stanford said Skye was strong, hardworking and a jokester who loved to laugh.

The Toowoomba State High School student was appointed secretary of the school’s student representative council, is undergoing a business traineeship and works at the Gatton IGA.

With dreams to one day become a high school teacher, Skye is also a talented artist who loves to draw but also enjoys the theatre.

“You’ll always find my notes with sketches all through them,” Skye said.

“My recent health experience has (caused) a wave of emotions.

“I’ve had to train myself to breathe properly (and) to use my body again while mentally dealing with it all.”

Toowoomba State High School student Skye Chequer who is pictured with her aunt Shanny Watts, has been left in the ICU and unable to walk after experiencing a freak medical episode.

Ms Stanford said she was devastated that her daughter was experiencing such serious health concerns halfway through Year 12 and months before her 18th birthday in October.

“We’re not sure what her recovery looks like, but she’s a strong kid, she’s smashing it and she’s beating the odds,” Ms Stanford said.

“I’m just trying to stay positive for her and focusing on telling her how great she’s doing everyday.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser has since been launched to help support the family and Skye’s recovery which will likely be a timely and expensive process.

The family have thanked the community for its heartwarming support.

To donate visit gofundme.com/f/b9jpap-skyes-journey