Victor Valimaki in tragic fight of his life
“You can be the healthiest person in the world and this can happen to you.”
Just over a year ago, Victor Valimaki was fighting in the cage. Four months ago, the UFC vet was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic’s disease, a rare disorder of the central nervous system that mimics multiple sclerosis. Today, at 36, he is bedridden at University of Alberta Hospital, unable to walk, and struggling to speak.
“He’s had multiple tests and there’s just not a lot of answers, so we just sit here and just wait,” said longtime friend Terry Kopp to Wallis Snowdon for the CBC. “The way the doctor honestly puts it is that he’s a mystery. They don’t know what is happening and why. In the meantime, his best bet is lying in the hospital bed. He can’t do anything.”
“His speech is very limited. His brain function [has changed.] He was telling me that he was going to be in Germany next week … but he hasn’t left his hospital bed. We don’t know why all of this is happening.”
“He’s the most stubborn, most amazing guy in the world and he can’t do anything about it. You can be the healthiest person in the world and this can happen to you. You just never know.”
The disease inflames the optic nerve and spinal cord, even the brain. It can cause vision loss, paralysis and a myriad of other symptoms. A GoFundMe has raised $6,000.
“He didn’t really let people know how serious it was,” said Kopp. “He’s overwhelmed with everyone wanting to help. It makes him feel good. It gives him motivation.”
Snowdown communicated with Valimaki via Facebook
“I told them not to,” he said of the online fundraiser. “Now that they have, it will be a big help. “This whole thing has been very expensive, and not being able to work on top of it has been tough. I really have some great friends.”
Valimaki remains in hospital, disoriented and heavily medicated, but has been told the neuromyelitis optica has gone into remission. Once the infection subsides, his mother Judi Valimaki is confident she will be able to bring her son home.
“Things have started to look up,” Judi said. “The staff here at the hospital, they take such good care of him and they’re so patient. They deserve medals. And he’s very grateful too, but he just wants to go home. He’s not there yet but we’re hoping we can get him there soon.”