Jack Van Hees, 18, has not been able to walk for six months because of a major tic from Tourette syndrome (TS) that causes his legs to give out from under him.

“When I was 15, I was diagnosed with Tourette’s, and then three months after my diagnosis … I couldn’t get my legs to move,” he said.

It has happened twice since then, but this latest onset has dragged on much longer.

“This time it’s lasted six months, which is the longest it has [lasted], and it really hasn’t shown signs of slowing down,” he said.

“It’s tough — one day I’ll be walking and the next day I won’t.”

This latest bout left the avid skateboarder from Emerald, 270 kilometres west of Rockhampton, without anything to ride.

But thanks to a community fundraising campaign Mr Van Hees has purchased an adaptive wheelchair and rejoined the local scene and the adrenaline has been pumping ever since.

Key points

• Jack Van Hees says his tics are “barely noticeable” when he’s skating, but for the past six months he has been unable to walk
• A fundraiser started up by his local skating community has allowed him to buy a wheelchair suitable for the sport
• Having taught himself to use the chair, Mr Van Hees plans to enter competitions

Source
ABC News