Kauã Duarte, an 18-year-old jiu-jitsu grappler from Alagoas, Brazil, faces the match of his life after a devastating training accident in May left him paralyzed from the neck down. The promising young athlete, who had achieved several accomplishments in Alagoas jiu-jitsu, saw his martial arts career cut short during what seemed like a routine training session.
“I went to do a movement that I used to do very often, and I was happy with that movement. And I went to roll forward and my partner was braking behind, I couldn’t complete the turn and unfortunately this happened,”
Kauã explained about the accident that changed everything.
The aftermath has been overwhelming for the teenager.
“Man, it’s hard. Many, many, many difficulties for everything, right? Taking a shower, even doing simple things, eating and scratching, using my cell phone, in short, it’s very difficult,”
he shared, describing his new reality of requiring 24-hour constant care.
However, there’s hope. Through intensive physical therapy, Kauã has already made remarkable progress. Initially completely quadriplegic, he has regained some movement in his arms and hands, allowing him to perform basic tasks like combing his hair and touching his body. Medical professionals have given him a 3% chance of walking again, making continued physical therapy crucial to keeping that possibility alive.
The challenge now is financial. Kauã requires physical therapy three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – with each session costing R$200 (approximately $40 USD). His mother has had to quit her job to provide full-time care, leaving the family dependent on unemployment benefits and help from relatives and friends.
“I’m quitting my job, I’m receiving unemployment insurance and then I take from my insurance the help I receive from family, from friends, we’re surviving on help from people,”
his mother explained, highlighting their desperate financial situation.
The family is now appealing to the community for help, particularly seeking physiotherapists who might be willing to donate sessions or provide treatment at reduced rates. Local television station TV Pajuçara has taken up Kauã’s cause, broadcasting his story and providing contact information for those willing to help.
“Keeping him in physical therapy has a good chance of my son walking again,”
his mother said, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining his treatment regimen. The family remains hopeful that with continued therapy and community support, Kauã can continue his recovery journey and potentially regain the mobility that was lost in that fateful training session.
