Canadian independent wrestler and circus performer Leah Sparks (LeeAnn Ball) announced Tuesday that she is recovering at home after fracturing both sides of her C2 vertebra and dislocating the right side during her last match.
The injury required immediate surgery. After a week-long hospital stay, Sparks was discharged and is now walking, talking, and managing daily life while beginning a longer recovery. She last wrestled on Aug. 23 for ISW.
“Can’t keep a Big Dog down,” Sparks posted, adding that the details were “very raw and very real.” Movement through professional wrestling and circus work has been her primary way of telling stories and earning a living for years. She began pursuing wrestling about three years ago after more than a decade as a professional circus artist and aerialist.
The injury has created significant uncertainty. Sparks said she will be out of her main work for an extended period and hopes to pursue specialized physical and mental rehabilitation. She asked her wrestling, circus, theatre, and arts communities for support that she described as difficult to request.
A GoFundMe campaign seeking $25,000 CAD has been launched to ease financial pressure and fund specialized rehab. Any amount, she said, would help her focus on healing and rebuilding. The campaign had raised more than $14,000 as of Tuesday evening.
Sparks thanked supporters for the outpouring of love and said she remains grateful to be part of a strong community. Fans and fellow wrestlers have begun circulating the post and the fundraising link.
