Talan – “Never Give Up, Never Back Down, Never Stop Fighting”

Hi, my name is Talan Yorn. My Lyme story began at birth; I contracted it congenitally from my mother.

For the first 7 years of my life not a single doctor could figure out what was wrong with me or my mom. My symptoms included headaches, joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, OCD, fevers, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and more. Finally, at the age of 7, I was diagnosed by a Lyme literate doctor after seeing countless doctors and being told my whole life it was growing pains or just in my head.

That year, while spending a lot of time in bed, I saw American Ninja Warrior on TV, and I told my mom “I’m going to do that; I’m going to be on that show!” Unfortunately, with all of my health struggles that dream seemed nearly impossible, most days were a struggle to just get out of bed.

After 3 years of treatments, doctors’ appointments I finally was declared in remission. We were so excited to say the battle was over. Unfortunately, a mold exposure took that away from me and left me completely bedridden. My family lost everything, all of our belongings and were forced to move multiple times. I also lost the ability to go to school, play baseball-my favorite sport, see my friends, or have any social life. I felt completely alone, and isolated and that my dreams were impossible.

At this time, I started getting IVIG treatments to help with my immune system. I was battling Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, mycoplasma pneumonia, CRIS, Mast Cell activation syndrome, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, POTS & PANS, not the kind in the kitchen. I was receiving IVs every 3-4 weeks. At one point I had a PICC Line that my body rejected due to my mast cells reacting to the hardware.

Eventually, we moved to a mold-free home, and I began to recover, however, the financial burden began to take its toll on my parents. After receiving a LymeLight grant in 2024, I began rapidly improving. I suddenly had access to shots, medications, and treatments we couldn’t afford before. LymeLight not only allowed me to face my obstacles, but it gave me the push to OVERCOME them!

At the age of 16 my dream of becoming an American Ninja Warrior competitor and bringing more awareness to Lyme disease became a reality. I was selected to compete on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, which was an unbelievable experience.

When I was competing on American Ninja Warrior, I realized how far I had come. I went from a sick kid lying in bed dreaming of recovery and becoming strong, to being on the show at the age of 16. I made it all the way to the semi-finals and hope to be on the show again in a future season. It was an incredible experience. I am currently still training and have even bigger dreams. I’ve faced obstacles on the course and in life, but the support of LymeLight and all the donors have made a huge impact on my life.

Now at age 18, I am proud to say that I am a Lyme disease advocate, Author, Ninja Coach, Public Speaker, Stunt Actor and American Ninja Warrior competitor. Although I still have bad days and face many obstacles, I am grateful that I am able to manage school, Ninja Warrior, and Lyme advocacy and all the wonderful opportunities that present themselves.

Recently, my book “Overcome, A Lyme Patients Journey to American Ninja Warrior” was published. I also now run a YouTube Channel that has grown to over 48 thousand subscribers, including one video with over a hundred Fifty million views and I have been a stunt person in several movies. I’ve also just been selected to compete on the USA Obstacle Course Racing Team. I will be representing the USA and competing in the world championship in Ireland this August. I’m still competing and coaching at the gym. However, my biggest passion is being an advocate for others, both in the Ninja Warrior and Lyme community where I can use my story to inspire and encourage others. None of this would have been possible without LymeLight’s help.

To all the LymeLight donors, you gave me strength in the darkest time of my life. You have given me and so many other Lyme patients a community, support, and hope. THANK YOU for helping me and so many other grant recipients heal and overcome. You are making our IMPOSSIBLE dreams POSSIBLE. I will end with my motto Never give up, Never back down and Never stop fighting!