A few months ago, back in June, Abby Weiss suffered a horrible injury while practicing acroyoga. This is a combination of acrobatics, yoga, cheerleading, and gymnastics movements.

Weiss fell and injured her spinal cord while practicing a mid-air movement. This left Weiss paralyzed from the neck down.

Abby Weiss has been described as an active, outdoorsy, sporty fitness lover. She is 32 and was living in San Diego, California for the last 8 years; but, has had to be relocated to be with her family in Chicago since the accident has left her dependent on the care of her family and others.

Renee Smith Organized a GoFundMe to help Weiss pay for her medical and rehabilitation expenses. The GoFundMe is seeking to raise $250,000 and currently is at about $165,000. 

Weiss initially spent many weeks in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. She could not talk or breathe by herself. Also, she has undergone many surgeries.

Her father, Rory Weiss, spoke to local San Diego KGTV or 10News. He said his daughter loved the outdoors and being active and her current condition is very difficult for her. 

“She’s scared out of her wits. She said the other day it feels like she’s in a straitjacket. She can’t move,” her father, Rory Weiss, said to 10News.

Prior to the accident, Weiss worked with children as a speech therapist and had been practicing acroyoga for the past four years before her accident.

“She said you have to live life.. “She pushed the envelope a little too far, I think.”

He said he didn’t really have knowledge of the sport before the accident.

“Had I known the type of maneuvers she was doing, I would have told her not to do it, but I don’t think she would’ve listened.”

AcroYoga involves a partnership where typically, one person acts as the “base,” supporting the “flyer” who is elevated in the air. This collaboration fosters trust, communication, and a deep connection between partners. The practice integrates the mindfulness and flexibility of yoga, and the strength and balance required in acrobatics.

AcroYoga sessions usually begin with warming up, focusing on individual flexibility and strength. As the practice progresses, partners work together to perform various poses and sequences. The base remains grounded and provides stability, while the flyer engages core strength and balance to move through the air. A third person, known as a “spotter,” often assists to ensure safety and proper alignment.