Girl, 4, couldn’t walk or speak after getting rhabdomyolysis, which killed NYC Marathon runner, from common cold

Four-year-old Ali Modica developed rhabdomyolysis after what her family thought was a mild cold, resulting in multiple organ failure and a brain injury. Her father is sharing her experience after learning that runner Rachel Apa died from the same rare condition, calling for greater awareness of its risks and warning signs.

Ali’s heart stopped for 18 minutes during her emergency transfer to a Philadelphia hospital, where doctors restored her pulse and treated her with ECMO, a ventilator and dialysis. Now seven, she cannot walk or speak and needs full-time care and intensive therapy; her family says insurance does not cover the therapy costs. Her father says she is getting stronger, and urges athletes, families and medical staff to recognise potential risks from over-exertion and illness.