{"id":20485,"date":"2025-07-14T00:28:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T00:28:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=20485"},"modified":"2025-07-14T00:28:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T00:28:10","slug":"tick-bite-trauma-maria-palen-a-fitness-influencer-left-paralyzed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=20485","title":{"rendered":"Tick Bite Trauma: Maria Palen, a Fitness Influencer, Left Paralyzed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Maria Palen, a fitness coach and chemical engineer,\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">lived<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0a life built on clean eating, marathon runs, and strength.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But in\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/06\/27\/us-news\/fitness-influencer-maria-palen-left-paralyzed-from-tick-bite-my-body-completely-gave-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">early 2024<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, she began feeling odd, tiny aches<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and fatigue she couldn\u2019t push through with turmeric lattes or extra sleep. Initially, she brushed it off as post-workout soreness or stress.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"czydk69f5efef8d7fd\" ><div style=\"width:100%; max-width:1200px; margin:0 auto;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/bolt-casino.com?r=0BFDBF1283\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n    <img \n      src=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f8693ebb-2018-480f-a2f7-0096810c07f0.jpg\" \n      alt=\"200% Deposit Bonus + 10% Cashback\" \n      style=\"width:100%; height:auto; display:block; border-radius:8px; cursor:pointer;\"\n    \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 1201px) {\r\n.czydk69f5efef8d7fd {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) {\r\n.czydk69f5efef8d7fd {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) {\r\n.czydk69f5efef8d7fd {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) 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src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?client=ca-pub-7008136721246327&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=7426555068&amp;adk=2353250821&amp;adf=249954817&amp;pi=t.ma~as.7426555068&amp;w=748&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1752387531&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=748x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fviralstrange.com%2Ftick-bite-maria-palen-left-paralyzed%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_feed%26utm_campaign%3Dhumorwickedpartner%26fbclid%3DIwY2xjawLhLidleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTTWJKQU9ob3d2WUd4QkwzAR62sfiaCs120qRsxjVEGn0lXmxi2k28kL_MHbcEiK-NyN8X8O4s4xZ0YCQuxA_aem_daBHF2sRMA8RrMAsCmtTFA&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90KUE7QnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzOC4wLjcyMDQuMTAxIl0sWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1752452824526&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=430&amp;idt=123&amp;shv=r20250702&amp;mjsv=m202507080101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D0746cb48cf41a17d%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DALNI_MYGKF0Iee7cMxAOGzSiJPj6-jbxQA&amp;gpic=UID%3D00001143d3b8e325%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DALNI_MZ1mLnbpbJuEb7xom7kkXPwIVu3Bw&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D77f09d3223cf4b11%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DAA-AfjYrnwd9lokv1D44M-09pL_W&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250&amp;nras=1&amp;correlator=5484890082554&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=120&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1032&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=8&amp;adx=419&amp;ady=1324&amp;biw=1905&amp;bih=945&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=0&amp;eid=31093427%2C95331832%2C95353387%2C95362656%2C95365460%2C95366347%2C31093381%2C95359266%2C95366362&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=388497383378862&amp;tmod=1036503717&amp;uas=0&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1032%2C1920%2C945&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CoeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsW251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLCJkZXByZWNhdGVkX2thbm9uIl0sbnVsbCwzXQ..&amp;nt=1&amp;pgls=CAA.&amp;ifi=3&amp;uci=a!3&amp;btvi=1&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=126\" name=\"aswift_2\" width=\"748\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!3\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-query-id=\"CJmF6cCLu44DFQZOQQIdKu0vkQ\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46056\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46056\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46056 entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952.webp\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952.webp 1200w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-546x486.webp 546w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-553x493.webp 553w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-471x420.webp 471w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-150x134.webp 150w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-696x620.webp 696w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-1068x951.webp 1068w\" alt=\"Maria Palen\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1069\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952.webp 1200w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-546x486.webp 546w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-553x493.webp 553w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-768x684.webp 768w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-471x420.webp 471w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-150x134.webp 150w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-300x267.webp 300w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-696x620.webp 696w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952-1068x951.webp 1068w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/53a71e72be36e13d9efbdeb38a051035666fdbc7a4356fc3d78ffd8b5f136952.webp\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46056\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/planthlete_maria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Over several weeks, she shed twenty pounds, found even locking her phone agonizing, and by March, she was bedridden. Nothing worked, not rest, not a better diet. Her body, she said, \u201ccompletely gave up on me\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">At first<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, doctors suspected her immune system was attacking itself.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0Tests ruled out common autoimmune diseases, but no answers came. Meanwhile, her symptoms worsened: red blood cell damage, nerve pain, relentless fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-17\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008136721246327\" data-ad-slot=\"4501444910\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_3_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_3\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?client=ca-pub-7008136721246327&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=4501444910&amp;adk=67441583&amp;adf=2512785816&amp;pi=t.ma~as.4501444910&amp;w=748&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1752387531&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=748x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fviralstrange.com%2Ftick-bite-maria-palen-left-paralyzed%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_feed%26utm_campaign%3Dhumorwickedpartner%26fbclid%3DIwY2xjawLhLidleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTTWJKQU9ob3d2WUd4QkwzAR62sfiaCs120qRsxjVEGn0lXmxi2k28kL_MHbcEiK-NyN8X8O4s4xZ0YCQuxA_aem_daBHF2sRMA8RrMAsCmtTFA&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90KUE7QnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzOC4wLjcyMDQuMTAxIl0sWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1752452824527&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=431&amp;idt=138&amp;shv=r20250702&amp;mjsv=m202507080101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D0746cb48cf41a17d%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DALNI_MYGKF0Iee7cMxAOGzSiJPj6-jbxQA&amp;gpic=UID%3D00001143d3b8e325%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DALNI_MZ1mLnbpbJuEb7xom7kkXPwIVu3Bw&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D77f09d3223cf4b11%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DAA-AfjYrnwd9lokv1D44M-09pL_W&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C748x280&amp;nras=1&amp;correlator=5484890082554&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=120&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1032&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=8&amp;adx=419&amp;ady=2539&amp;biw=1905&amp;bih=945&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=0&amp;eid=31093427%2C95331832%2C95353387%2C95362656%2C95365460%2C95366347%2C31093381%2C95359266%2C95366362&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=388497383378862&amp;tmod=1036503717&amp;uas=0&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1032%2C1920%2C945&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CoeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsW251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLCJkZXByZWNhdGVkX2thbm9uIl0sbnVsbCwzXQ..&amp;nt=1&amp;pgls=CAA.&amp;ifi=4&amp;uci=a!4&amp;btvi=2&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=142\" name=\"aswift_3\" width=\"748\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!4\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-query-id=\"CIyI6cCLu44DFYk6BgAdIPEkJw\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<h3>Maria Palen Was Bitten by a Tick<\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The truth\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">hit<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0when tests\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">revealed<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0babesiosis, a\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/viralstrange.com\/man-dies-8-years-after-a-dare-to-eat-a-slug-turns-fatal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">parasitic infection<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0transmitted by ticks.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0The microscopic Babesia parasites were ravaging her bloodstream, hardly something lifestyle changes could fix.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In October 2024, after mild tailbone pain and fever,\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">things turned<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0critical.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sitting through a short meeting became impossible, and the<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">n, n<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">umbness.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0It started in one leg, crept to the other, and reached her abdomen.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-18\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008136721246327\" data-ad-slot=\"3815049204\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_4_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_4\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?client=ca-pub-7008136721246327&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=3815049204&amp;adk=20493233&amp;adf=3706941324&amp;pi=t.ma~as.3815049204&amp;w=748&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1752387531&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=748x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fviralstrange.com%2Ftick-bite-maria-palen-left-paralyzed%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_feed%26utm_campaign%3Dhumorwickedpartner%26fbclid%3DIwY2xjawLhLidleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTTWJKQU9ob3d2WUd4QkwzAR62sfiaCs120qRsxjVEGn0lXmxi2k28kL_MHbcEiK-NyN8X8O4s4xZ0YCQuxA_aem_daBHF2sRMA8RrMAsCmtTFA&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90KUE7QnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzOC4wLjcyMDQuMTAxIl0sWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1752452824527&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=430&amp;idt=182&amp;shv=r20250702&amp;mjsv=m202507080101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D0746cb48cf41a17d%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DALNI_MYGKF0Iee7cMxAOGzSiJPj6-jbxQA&amp;gpic=UID%3D00001143d3b8e325%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DALNI_MZ1mLnbpbJuEb7xom7kkXPwIVu3Bw&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D77f09d3223cf4b11%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752103170%3AS%3DAA-AfjYrnwd9lokv1D44M-09pL_W&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C748x280%2C748x280&amp;nras=1&amp;correlator=5484890082554&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=120&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1032&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=8&amp;adx=419&amp;ady=3438&amp;biw=1905&amp;bih=945&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=0&amp;eid=31093427%2C95331832%2C95353387%2C95362656%2C95365460%2C95366347%2C31093381%2C95359266%2C95366362&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=388497383378862&amp;tmod=1036503717&amp;uas=0&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1032%2C1920%2C945&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CoeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsW251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLCJkZXByZWNhdGVkX2thbm9uIl0sbnVsbCwzXQ..&amp;nt=1&amp;pgls=CAA.&amp;ifi=5&amp;uci=a!5&amp;btvi=3&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=185\" name=\"aswift_4\" width=\"748\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!5\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-query-id=\"COOg68CLu44DFTcfBgAdHjM2hg\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-0\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DFvuG8-yAP9\/embed\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fviralstrange.com&amp;rp=%2Ftick-bite-maria-palen-left-paralyzed%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_feed%26utm_campaign%3Dhumorwickedpartner%26fbclid%3DIwY2xjawLhLidleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTTWJKQU9ob3d2WUd4QkwzAR62sfiaCs120qRsxjVEGn0lX#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1025.5%2C%22ls%22%3A185.39999999850988%2C%22le%22%3A356.6000000014901%7D\" height=\"1113\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A spinal tap revealed white blood cells flooding her spinal fluid. Doctors diagnosed transverse myelitis, an<\/span>\u00a0<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">inflammation of the spinal cord. By then, Maria Palen was paralyzed from the waist down.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Antibiotics cleared the infection, but nerve damage had already\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">hit<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0deep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Maria Palen spent five weeks in the hospital in Austin, Texas. She couldn\u2019t walk or even use the bathroom unaided.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Doctors gave her a\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">three\u2011fold<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0forecast: full recovery, partial recovery, or none, each with roughly a 33\u2009<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">percent<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0chance.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-19\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008136721246327\" data-ad-slot=\"2501967533\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_5_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_5\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?gdpr=0&amp;us_privacy=1---&amp;gpp_sid=-1&amp;client=ca-pub-7008136721246327&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=2501967533&amp;adk=735828301&amp;adf=1209677714&amp;pi=t.ma~as.2501967533&amp;w=748&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1752387531&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=748x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fviralstrange.com%2Ftick-bite-maria-palen-left-paralyzed%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_feed%26utm_campaign%3Dhumorwickedpartner%26fbclid%3DIwY2xjawLhLidleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTTWJKQU9ob3d2WUd4QkwzAR62sfiaCs120qRsxjVEGn0lXmxi2k28kL_MHbcEiK-NyN8X8O4s4xZ0YCQuxA_aem_daBHF2sRMA8RrMAsCmtTFA&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90KUE7QnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzOC4wLjcyMDQuMTAxIl0sWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1752452824528&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=431&amp;idt=192&amp;shv=r20250702&amp;mjsv=m202507080101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D0746cb48cf41a17d%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752452824%3AS%3DALNI_MYGKF0Iee7cMxAOGzSiJPj6-jbxQA&amp;gpic=UID%3D00001143d3b8e325%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752452824%3AS%3DALNI_MZ1mLnbpbJuEb7xom7kkXPwIVu3Bw&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D77f09d3223cf4b11%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752452824%3AS%3DAA-AfjYrnwd9lokv1D44M-09pL_W&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C748x280%2C748x280%2C748x280%2C1905x945&amp;nras=2&amp;correlator=5484890082554&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=120&amp;u_his=2&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1032&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=8&amp;adx=419&amp;ady=4681&amp;biw=1905&amp;bih=945&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=906&amp;eid=31093427%2C95331832%2C95353387%2C95362656%2C95365460%2C95366347%2C31093381%2C95359266%2C95366362&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=388497383378862&amp;tmod=1036503717&amp;uas=3&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1032%2C1920%2C945&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CoeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsW251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLCJkZXByZWNhdGVkX2thbm9uIl0sbnVsbCwzXQ..&amp;nt=1&amp;pgls=CAA.&amp;ifi=6&amp;uci=a!6&amp;btvi=4&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=17173\" name=\"aswift_5\" width=\"748\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!6\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-query-id=\"CPus-MiLu44DFUUgBgAdJGUW-g\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">She moved to rehab, then to outpatient therapy, and finally back home with family support. Therapy became her daily ritual, focused on balance, strength, and relearning how to exist in her body again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Her Instagram community saw her struggle to prepare simple meals,\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">like<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0salads, sitting on her bed.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0Every action, once easy, now felt monumental.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-20\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008136721246327\" data-ad-slot=\"1147790749\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_6_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_6\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?gdpr=0&amp;us_privacy=1---&amp;gpp_sid=-1&amp;client=ca-pub-7008136721246327&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=1147790749&amp;adk=3135935486&amp;adf=2096103537&amp;pi=t.ma~as.1147790749&amp;w=748&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1752387531&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=748x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fviralstrange.com%2Ftick-bite-maria-palen-left-paralyzed%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_feed%26utm_campaign%3Dhumorwickedpartner%26fbclid%3DIwY2xjawLhLidleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTTWJKQU9ob3d2WUd4QkwzAR62sfiaCs120qRsxjVEGn0lXmxi2k28kL_MHbcEiK-NyN8X8O4s4xZ0YCQuxA_aem_daBHF2sRMA8RrMAsCmtTFA&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90KUE7QnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzOC4wLjcyMDQuMTAxIl0sWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTM4LjAuNzIwNC4xMDEiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1752452824528&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=431&amp;idt=193&amp;shv=r20250702&amp;mjsv=m202507080101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D0746cb48cf41a17d%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752452824%3AS%3DALNI_MYGKF0Iee7cMxAOGzSiJPj6-jbxQA&amp;gpic=UID%3D00001143d3b8e325%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752452824%3AS%3DALNI_MZ1mLnbpbJuEb7xom7kkXPwIVu3Bw&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D77f09d3223cf4b11%3AT%3D1750302974%3ART%3D1752452824%3AS%3DAA-AfjYrnwd9lokv1D44M-09pL_W&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C748x280%2C748x280%2C748x280%2C1905x945%2C748x280&amp;nras=2&amp;correlator=5484890082554&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=120&amp;u_his=2&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1032&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=8&amp;adx=419&amp;ady=5156&amp;biw=1905&amp;bih=945&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=1381&amp;eid=31093427%2C95331832%2C95353387%2C95362656%2C95365460%2C95366347%2C31093381%2C95359266%2C95366362&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=388497383378862&amp;tmod=1036503717&amp;uas=3&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1032%2C1920%2C945&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CoeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsW251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLCJkZXByZWNhdGVkX2thbm9uIl0sbnVsbCwzXQ..&amp;nt=1&amp;pgls=CAA.&amp;ifi=7&amp;uci=a!7&amp;btvi=5&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=17288\" name=\"aswift_6\" width=\"748\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!7\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-query-id=\"CPiKg8mLu44DFcVNQQIdjasuiw\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Medical bills soared past $50,000. Losing\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">her<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0apartment and job added financial stress. A GoFundMe started in January 2025 raised over $12,000 to help cover costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But the money barely cracks the mountain. Disability payments got delayed. Yet, through it all, Maria\u2019s public voice stayed strong; she shared every setback and every tiny breakthrough.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46057\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46057\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46057 entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380.webp\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380.webp 1024w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-557x486.webp 557w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-565x493.webp 565w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-768x671.webp 768w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-481x420.webp 481w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-150x131.webp 150w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-300x262.webp 300w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-696x608.webp 696w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"894\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380.webp 1024w, https:\/\/media.viralstrange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2018-thought-switching-plant-based-107237380-557x486.webp 557w, 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\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46057\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/planthlete_maria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-3\">\n<div class=\"vsads\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008136721246327\" data-ad-slot=\"1187033900\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_7_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_7\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" 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name=\"aswift_7\" width=\"300\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!8\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-query-id=\"CJjt08qLu44DFfEfBgAdSicyLA\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">By December 2024<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Maria Palen could wiggle her toes. Early 2025 brought bigger gains: slight movement in one leg, then side steps. Straightening her knees is still out of reach, but the progress matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Rehab sessions, core workouts, and pep talks helped rebuild both body and mind.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">She<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0admitted the\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">hardest<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0challenge<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">believing in recovery.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0\u201cI have to be hopeful. If not, I would spiral,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Babesiosis is rare, with\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">under<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a03,000 cases reported\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">yearly<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0in the U.S., but it often goes undiagnosed because it mimics the flu and\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">doesn\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0produce a rash.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Found in ticks that carry Lyme disease, the microscopic Babesia parasites invade red blood cells.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Symptoms: fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, can\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">turn<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0severe, especially without early treatment.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0It\u2019s a reminder that even healthy people aren\u2019t immune to nature\u2019s threats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When heading outdoors, take simple but effective precautions: apply tick repellent, check your skin after a hike, and keep your lawns clean. If you aren\u2019t feeling well, share recent outdoor activity with your doctor; early testing might save nerves and lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Babesiosis must be treated<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0promptly with antibiotics. If left alone, it can cause anemia, organ damage, or neurological issues like those Maria Palen experienced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Maria\u2019s journey has become a beacon for her 23.7 million followers.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">She reminds us that resilience\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is built<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0on small gains<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">;\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">wiggles, steps, salad making, even phone locking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-1\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DAQog1uPOrX\/embed\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fviralstrange.com&amp;rp=%2Ftick-bite-maria-palen-left-paralyzed%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_feed%26utm_campaign%3Dhumorwickedpartner%26fbclid%3DIwY2xjawLhLidleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTTWJKQU9ob3d2WUd4QkwzAR62sfiaCs120qRsxjVEGn0lX#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A1027.3000000044703%2C%22ls%22%3A185.39999999850988%2C%22le%22%3A356.6000000014901%7D\" height=\"1138\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Her journey isn\u2019t a fitness transformation. It\u2019s a story about vulnerability, about confronting fear, and about finding strength when your body gives up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Maria Palen has started working with neurologists and rehabilitation specialists in Texas. She continues physical therapy and hopes to walk unassisted within the\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">next<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0year. Although knee strength remains elusive, daily improvements fuel her determination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Her story stresses the importance of listening to your body and seeking help early. She used to chase marathons. Now she celebrates side steps. Still, she never stopped chasing hope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Maria Palen\u2019s experience is a powerful reminder: even peak health cannot protect us completely. Tick\u2011bite trauma may seem distant, but its impact can be life\u2011altering. Awareness, prevention, and early treatment are vital.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Her journey, marked by slowdown, struggle, and small wins, shows that true strength is not just physical. It is emotional and mental, built one tiny victory at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-12\">\n<div class=\"ob-smartfeed-wrapper feedIdx-0\">\n<div id=\"outbrain_widget_0\" class=\"OUTBRAIN\" data-widget-id=\"GS_1\" data-ob-mark=\"true\" data-browser=\"chrome\" data-os=\"win32\" data-dynload=\"\" data-idx=\"0\">\n<div class=\"ob-widget ob-feed-layout CR_SFD_MAIN_1\">\n<div class=\"ob-widget-header\"><span class=\"ob-widget-text\">You might also like<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maria Palen, a fitness coach and chemical engineer,\u00a0lived\u00a0a life built on clean eating, marathon runs, and strength.\u00a0But in\u00a0early 2024, she began feeling odd, tiny aches,\u00a0and fatigue she couldn\u2019t push through with turmeric lattes or extra sleep. Initially, she brushed it off as post-workout soreness or stress. Instagram Over several weeks, she shed twenty pounds, found&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20486,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tick Bite Trauma: Maria Palen, a Fitness Influencer, Left Paralyzed - VM News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=20485\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tick Bite Trauma: Maria Palen, a Fitness Influencer, Left Paralyzed - VM News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Maria Palen, a fitness coach and chemical engineer,\u00a0lived\u00a0a life built on clean eating, marathon runs, and strength.\u00a0But in\u00a0early 2024, she began feeling odd, tiny aches,\u00a0and fatigue she couldn\u2019t push through with turmeric lattes or extra sleep. 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Initially, she brushed it off as post-workout soreness or stress. 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