Yannick Paredis was born on March 7, 2004, appearing to be a perfectly healthy baby. His early childhood was filled with the joys of playing, learning, and growing. However, when he was five years old, subtle but alarming signs began to emerge. His teacher noticed that he struggled with his pen grip, and his parents observed odd postures while he played. One day, he suddenly became difficult to understand when speaking. These signs triggered a cascade of medical examinations, leading to a life-changing diagnosis: generalized dystonia.
This rare neurological disorder caused Yannick’s muscles to contract uncontrollably. By the age of eight, his condition had deteriorated to the point where he required a wheelchair. Though he could still walk, he had to hold his head up manually, as it would otherwise fall backward. His body twisted in ways beyond his control, making even sitting upright impossible. Most of his time was spent lying on his stomach, unable to participate in the carefree activities that had once been his world.
Despite the immense challenges, Yannick and his family refused to give up. They placed their trust in a specialist in movement disorders. After exhausting all other treatment options, deep brain stimulation (DBS) was proposed—a highly complex surgical procedure where electrodes are implanted in the brain to regulate abnormal signals. Although the operation was daunting, his parents knew it was his best chance at regaining a semblance of normalcy.
The surgery was a resounding success. Almost immediately, Yannick’s symptoms improved. The wheelchair was no longer needed, and for the first time in years, he began reclaiming control over his body. However, the road to stability was not without obstacles. Over time, he endured multiple surgeries for battery replacements and wire malfunctions, but since 2016, his condition has remained stable.
With his newfound mobility, Yannick sought a sport that would challenge and fulfill him. He found his passion in table tennis. His natural talent quickly became evident, and through dedication and perseverance, he earned a place on the Dutch national team. Today, he trains full-time at the renowned Papendal sports center while simultaneously pursuing a degree in sports studies. His dream? To compete at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Despite his remarkable progress, dystonia still plays a role in his life. Stress and fatigue can trigger muscle contractions, and his speech remains affected by the condition. But Yannick refuses to let these obstacles define him. He embraces his journey with resilience, humor, and an unbreakable spirit.
Beyond his personal achievements, Yannick aspires to inspire. He envisions a future where he can help children with disabilities find empowerment through sports. He understands firsthand how athletics shift focus from limitations to possibilities, teaching perseverance, discipline, and the joy of victory. His ambition is to work at a school for children with disabilities, where he can help them discover the benefits of sports and encourage them to believe in their own potential.
However, achieving his dream comes with significant financial challenges. Competing at an elite level requires extensive training, travel to international tournaments, specialized equipment, and coaching—all of which come at a high cost. Yannick is determined to represent his country at the Paralympics, but he cannot do it alone.
By donating, you can help Yannick reach his goal and support his journey toward Paralympic success. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in ensuring he gets the opportunities he needs to compete at the highest level. If you would like to be part of his journey and help him achieve his dream, please consider making a donation. Together, we can turn this dream into reality!
