Quinton Aaron, known for his role alongside Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side, is now ‘fully alert’ following a recent battle with a potentially fatal condition that landed him in intensive care.
Aaron, who portrayed NFL star Michael Oher in the 2009 film, has faced numerous health challenges since the movie’s release, with his latest ordeal nearly claiming his life.
In recent reports from TMZ, it was revealed that the actor was ‘fighting for his life’ after a serious fall at his residence.
A GoFundMe page created to support his medical expenses indicated that Aaron was afflicted by a ‘severe blood infection.’
However, his family later informed PEOPLE that he actually suffered from a rare condition known as a spinal stroke.
In a statement to the outlet, Aaron expressed that he is improving, stating: “I went through a lot, but I’m focusing on God, my recovery, my family and close friends as well as my career.”
His family also shared that he is currently “feeling strong and empowered.”
Weeks following his intensive care admission, Aaron is now able to communicate with relatives and regularly interact with his close friends via FaceTime and text.
“He’s excited about the future opportunities life will present to him,” the family mentioned.
The family further stated that Quinton is ‘awake, fully alert, interacting with his family and approved visitors.’
Though this is a significant positive step, it marks just the beginning of Aaron’s recovery journey, and he is said to be ‘focused on his recovery and successfully doing things like practicing writing, doing puzzles.’
According to his family, Aaron experienced a spinal stroke, a condition that, although similar to a brain stroke, occurs when blood flow to the spine is obstructed. Without sufficient blood supply, the spinal cord is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to potential damage or cell death.
Northwestern Medicine notes that spinal strokes represent approximately 0.3 percent to 1 percent of all strokes in the United States and can result in paralysis or even death if not treated promptly.
This health crisis is one of several that Aaron has faced in recent years.
In March of last year, the actor was hospitalized due to coughing up blood and a high fever. He was also diagnosed with diabetes in 2021, a diagnosis that motivated him to shed 200 pounds.