Maria developed progressive weakness of her arms and legs at the age of 2. Having been a perfectly normal child previously, over a period of several months she became so weak that she could barely walk.

Investigations showed that she had an inflammation of the peripheral nerves so that the messages conducted by the nerves were slowed down because the insulating layers of the tiny nerve cables, which conduct nervous messages, were being attacked by antibodies.

Maria was started on drugs that damped down the inflammatory response. She required infusions of medication every few weeks to keep her on her feet. After several years and various types of medical treatment, her strength is almost back to normal and her doctors are expecting a full cure of her illness.