A 17-year old who became paralyzed in a freak cheerleading accident has returned to the sport just six months after suffering from a horrific spinal chord injury.
Makayla Noble, a junior at Prosper High School in Texas, was practicing a move in a friend's backyard when she suddenly fell and landed on her throat.
She was rushed into emergency surgery, but was left unable to walk from the incident. However, it hasn't stopped her from following her dreams.
The teen - who first got involved with the sport at the age of 10 - is now back on the field cheerleading once again, less than half a year after the terrifying fall left her paralyzed from the waist down.
'I went from being so confident and strong and very assertive with my moves to now struggling just to get my arms above [my head],' she told BallySports.comrecently.
A 17-year old who became paralyzed in a freak cheerleading accident has returned to the sport just six months after suffering from a horrific spinal chord injury
Makayla Noble, a junior at Prosper High School in Texas, was practicing a move in a friend's backyard when she suddenly fell and landed on her throat
She was rushed into emergency surgery, but was left unable to walk from the incident. She is pictured before (left) and after (right) the accident
'But it really has given me a purpose and it made me feel like God put me on this Earth to inspire people and teach people and help them learn from my accident.'
However, it hasn't stopped her from following her dreams. Makayla is pictured after the accident
OnSeptember 20, 2021, Makalya was practicing her tumbling at a pal's house when she fell and suffered from a severe spinal chord injury.
'I flipped halfway and landed straight on my throat on the grass in the yard,' she recalled.
'It was a very odd feeling, I've never felt anything like that before. When I hit the ground, as crazy as it sounds, I knew I was paralyzed.'
Her mom, Jen Noble, remembered her friend's parents telling her, 'She can't move her legs,' and at that moment, she said she 'realized it was serious.'
Makayla was taken to the hospital by ambulance and underwent emergency surgery. She then spent three weeks in the ICU before entering rehab, where she did physical and occupational therapy to help her regain her strength.
'I improved tremendously from there,' she said. 'I had to regain a lot of my strength [while at rehab].
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The teen is now back on the field cheerleading once again, less than half a year after the terrifying fall left her paralyzed from the waist down. She is pictured during practice
She said the injury 'gave her a purpose' and made her feel like 'God put her on this Earth to inspire people and and help them learn from her accident'
After the fall, Makayla was taken to the hospital by ambulance and underwent emergency surgery. She then spent three weeks in the ICU before entering rehab
In rehab, she did physical and occupational therapy to help her regain her strength, where she said she 'improved tremendously.' She is pictured during PT
'I was still wearing a neck and chest brace 24/7 which was crazy - I had a lot of limitations of what I could and couldn't do.'
Now, she is homebut is still doing therapy 'constantly.' She cannot walk and uses a wheelchair to get around, but she recently decided that she wanted to try out for her school's cheerleading team.
'We were talking and she said, "I think I want to try out." I said, "I'm down for it, let's do it,"' her coach, Cameron Jones, said.
'She's been very open about the struggles that she's had, the down times that she's had, but she's never let one down moment get her down.'
Makalya made the team, and is proud of the progress she has made in such a short amount of time - especially because doctors first told her that she'd most likely never be able to cheerlead again.
As for why she's made so much progress in such a short amount of time, Makayla credits the hard work ethic that she gained from participating in the sport for more than seven years.
'People told me to my face, doctors told me I'd never be doing these things,' she continued.
'You have to be on your A-game anytime you go in the gym. I think I've kind of moved that mindset into therapy.
Now, she is home but is still doing therapy. She cannot walk and uses a wheelchair to get around, but she recently decided that she wanted to try out for her school's cheerleading team
Makalya is proud of the progress she has made in such a short amount of time - especially because doctors first told her that she'd most likely never be able to cheerlead again
As for why she's made so much progress, Makayla credits the hard work ethic that she gained from participating in the sport. She is pictured before the incident
'I know if I go into the gym or if I go into rehab I'm going to go and give it my 110 per cent.
'I'm very proud of where I am today. Looking back, six months ago, I would not have thought I'd be here doing all these things today.
Makayla's mom said she was always a 'positive person' who was 'full of life,' and that the accident didn't change that. She said: 'Every day, she's like, "Let's go. Let's conquer the day."' She is pictured after the accident
'It's different than what I planned out for my life. But I'm happy with it so far.'
Makayla's mom said she was always a 'positive person' who was 'full of life,' but admitted that she was worried the injury might change her mind set.
'She's always been such a positive person and full of life. But you never know when someone has an injury like this, how it will change them,' Jen admitted.
'Every day, she picks herself up and she's like, "OK, let's go. Let's conquer the day." I think that's why people have fallen in love with her story.'
'She's such a hard worker. [Before her injury], I would pick her up after school, a lot of times we'd eat dinner in the car on the way to cheer practice.
'She'd practice until 10 o'clock at night. I think that's why she's doing so much now, after her accident. Because it's just how she thrives and does her best - by staying busy and pushing herself.'
Her coach added,'Her attitude, regarding her entire injury, has just been one of, "I'm grateful I still have an opportunity to be here on this Earth. So as long as I'm here on this Earth, I'm going to give every effort I can to do the best that I can."'
As an enthusiast and expert in sports medicine and rehabilitation, I can offer insights into the remarkable story of Makayla Noble, the 17-year-old cheerleader who overcame a spinal cord injury to return to the sport within six months. My expertise in this field involves understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of injuries, rehabilitation processes, and the determination required for such a recovery.
First and foremost, Makayla's case underscores the resilience of the human body and spirit, particularly in the context of sports-related injuries. The spinal cord injury she sustained during a cheerleading accident is a serious and life-altering event. Spinal cord injuries often result in varying degrees of paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. In Makayla's case, the injury left her paralyzed from the waist down.
The timeline of her recovery is noteworthy. Emergency surgery and subsequent rehabilitation are critical components of managing spinal cord injuries. Makayla's three weeks in the ICU and the subsequent physical and occupational therapy in rehab played a crucial role in her recovery. The fact that she made significant improvements during this time reflects both the effectiveness of the medical interventions and Makayla's determination to regain her strength.
One key aspect of Makayla's story is her decision to return to cheerleading despite the initial prognosis that she might never be able to do so. This decision speaks to the psychological and emotional aspects of rehabilitation. Cheerleading, as a physically demanding sport, likely contributed to Makayla's strong work ethic and discipline. Her coach, Cameron Jones, highlights Makayla's openness about her struggles and the resilience she displayed throughout the process.
Makayla's attitude toward her injury and rehabilitation is remarkable. Her commitment to giving 110 percent, both in the gym and during therapy, showcases the mental strength developed through years of participating in cheerleading. Her story challenges the initial expectations of medical professionals who doubted her ability to return to the sport.
In conclusion, Makayla Noble's journey is a testament to the potential for recovery and resilience in the face of severe injuries. It highlights the intersection of physical therapy, mental fortitude, and the profound impact of sports on an individual's life. Her story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges and reinforces the importance of a positive mindset and unwavering determination in the rehabilitation process.
