Tinus’ life changed when he woke up paralysed. The next chapter would show him just how powerful hope can be – especially when others help carry you through.
Pretoria, South Africa (04 March 2026) – ‘Life was full and moving fast.’
That’s how Tinus Greyling describes life before everything changed. A thriving career as a developer, a loving marriage, and exciting plans to build a new life abroad in Ireland.
Then came the morning he woke up paralysed.
“Life was full and moving fast,” Tinus shared. “My wife and I were planning to relocate to Northern Ireland to be closer to family and build the next chapter of our lives together. I was active, independent, and professionally in one of the best seasons of my career. August 10th changed everything overnight.”
Doctors diagnosed Tinus with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological condition in which spinal cord inflammation causes severe nerve damage.
A flu he had contracted the week before had triggered an autoimmune response that attacked his own spine, leaving him paraplegic from the chest downward. He lost abdominal muscle function, bladder and bowel control, and all sensation and motor function in his legs.
“It was a bit of a shock, but honestly, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of what was happening, not at first,” he said. “There were doctors around me running tests, trying to figure things out, my family huddled with the medical team trying to understand the situation. In the middle of all of that, I just focused on the day in front of me. I didn’t allow myself to worry about tomorrow. I left that in God’s hands.”
Tinus received emergency gold-standard treatment in the hospital. He was then transferred to a specialised spinal rehabilitation facility where he spent six weeks learning basic tasks like dressing himself, transferring safely into a wheelchair, and adapting to a new way of living.
Specialists determined that the spinal cord damage was so severe that it’s likely permanent. With no further conventional treatment available, Tinus and his family faced an uncertain future they had never planned for.
An online crowdfunding campaign was launched, a plea for help to cover the unexpected costs that came with the sudden life change, and for treatment that Tinus hopes will help him walk again.
Within eight days, the Pretoria community and supporters beyond responded with overwhelming kindness and compassion. The campaign not only reached its R120,000 goal, but it surpassed it, raising R146,973.
“I want people to know that their support has carried me more than they realise,” he said. “The messages, the prayers, the practical help — it all matters deeply. I especially want to acknowledge my employer, DVT. Not once did they ask when I was coming back. They simply asked what I needed and then went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of.”
The funds raised are being channelled toward stem cell therapy through the South African Stem Cell Institute as well as chronic medication, daily catheter supplies, ongoing rehabilitation, and adaptive driving controls that will allow Tinus to eventually return to work. Recently, he underwent a bone marrow harvest and cell preparation.
“It’s a significant part of my strategy and something I researched carefully,” he explained. “Traditional medicine got me stabilised, but stem cell therapy represents hope for what comes next. The science is still emerging, but the potential for reducing inflammation and supporting nerve regeneration is real. I went into it with realistic expectations, not magical thinking.”
Since beginning treatment, Tinus says that he has noticed encouraging sensory changes. Another sign of hope.
“It’s too early to draw firm conclusions, but I’m cautiously optimistic. Combined with rigorous rehab and a targeted supplement protocol, stem cell therapy is one piece of a broader, aggressive recovery plan. I’m not leaving any stone unturned.”
Now back home and adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle, Tinus is learning to master advanced wheelchair skills and easing back into work and daily flow with his family.
“Things are slowly getting back to a new kind of normal,” he said. “I’m fortunate to have an incredible wife by my side who takes care of me and makes each day a little better than the last.”
His gratitude extends to everyone who carried him and his family through the sudden, life-changing chapter. He’s determined to step into the next one.
“To everyone who has shown up for me and my wife during this time, thank you. You are part of my recovery story, whether you know it or not. I intend to walk again, and when I do, it will be because I didn’t do it alone.”
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