Once bedridden, this 17-year-old Ninja Warrior soars for Lyme awareness
By Talan Yorn, The Lyme Ninja
If someone had told me when I was 10 and bedridden that I’d be standing under the lights of the American Ninja Warrior stage, not just walking again, but competing—I wouldn’t have believed them. Yet, here I am.
From the dark days of being bedridden with late-stage Lyme disease, mold illness and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) to swinging, jumping and flying through the air on national TV in front of millions, this journey has been nothing short of a miracle.
And I’m writing this because there’s something you need to know: there is hope. Even in the face of unimaginable pain and setbacks, healing is possible.
No longer dependent on IVIG
For years, my life revolved around treatments. One of the most intensive was intravenous immunoglobulin (known as IVIG) which helped keep my immune system afloat. For two days a month, I would have these infusions. It enabled me to function, but it was also a reminder, too, of how sick I was.
Today, I can officially say I no longer need IVIG to function. That’s not just a medical milestone—it’s a personal victory. I finally am overcoming obstacles in my life. And it’s a testament to the power of persistence, support, and the will to never give up.
From bedridden to NBC
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR — “Qualifiers 2” Episode 1702 — Pictured: Talan Yorn — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
On June 9, my qualifying episode of American Ninja Warrior Season 17 episode 2 aired on NBC and is now streaming on Peacock. Competing on that course wasn’t just a dream come true—it was a platform to raise awareness for Lyme disease. Look for “The Lyme Ninja.”
What made this moment even more powerful? Hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila took a bite out of a lime on air in support of the Take a Bite Out of Lyme Challenge—and shared a Lyme disease fact to continue my efforts to build more awareness for Lyme disease. Seeing them join in, without hesitation, reminded me why this fight for awareness matters so much and that we are not alone.
I’m using the Take a Bite Out of Lyme Challenge to inspire others: share who you’re biting for, whether it’s someone currently fighting Lyme or in memory of someone who no longer can. Together, our stories can shift the narrative.
And the challenge is back. Take a bite out of a lime, share a Lyme disease fact, and nominate three people to do the same. Post a photo or video and keep the momentum going. Let’s make Lyme information go viral!
On to the Semi-Finals
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR — “Qualifiers 2” Episode 1702 — Pictured: Talan Yorn — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
The good news is, I made it to the Semi-Finals. The Semi-Finals start airing on July 14. So keep watching so you don’t miss me!
This isn’t just a competition, this is a mission and a passion for me. Every obstacle I face on the course represents the invisible ones so many of us battle every day with chronic illness. If you watch one thing this summer, make it this, my Semi-Finals run. You will not be disappointed.
Advocacy on and off the course
Through my work with the Center for Lyme Action, I continue to push for real change in policy and research. Ninja Warrior is one piece of my advocacy. It brings awareness, visibility, and most importantly—hope.
But my voice goes beyond the course. I’ve had the honor of speaking on the Playin’ Thru Podcast about men’s mental health, and as a guest speaker at both The District Academy, sharing my journey to American Ninja Warrior, and at the ThinkQ Conference, where I spoke as a youth leader and Lyme advocate. Each opportunity is another way to spread awareness, hope, and strength to those of us still in the fight.
Why I keep going
I keep fighting because so many can’t. I climb not just for myself, but for the millions of people around the world whose lives have been upended by Lyme disease. We need a cure. We need understanding. And we need to keep sharing our stories.
There are people who look at me now and assume I’m better because of what I do as a Ninja Warrior: that the battle is over. I wish that were true. But the reality is: I’m still fighting. Every day, I’m working to reclaim my health, to move closer to remission. I have overcome some seemingly insurmountable obstacles and am getting stronger and healthier every day.
Recently, I had a setback that reminded me just how fragile this journey can be. Three urgent care visits led to an ER trip—vomiting blood, hooked up to an IV again. A different kind this time, but still, I thought I was beyond all of it. It was a rough week. One of those weeks where the fight feels overwhelming and hopeless. But I’m still here. Still standing. Still moving forward. Not giving into the negativity.
And that’s what I want to leave you with: this is not a race—it’s a journey. A journey of healing in body, mind, and soul. There will be bumps, setbacks and days when it feels impossible. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
My obstacles didn’t start on the course
It’s something I have to remind myself of every day. My journey isn’t like that of the other Ninja Warriors. My obstacles didn’t start on the course. They started when I was bedridden and even before that. And because of that, it’s even more important that I meet myself with grace.
I ask you to do the same: meet yourself with grace. Honor your effort, no matter what it looks like today.
There is hope. I’m running for you. I’m standing up for you when you can’t get out of bed. I get it. I hear your pain. And I know your suffering.
You are not alone. I see you. I’ve been where you are. And I believe in your comeback, too.
Let’s keep taking a bite out of Lyme, overcoming every obstacle in our path.
My Motto is: ‘Never Give Up. Never Back Down. Never Stop Fighting. (Never give up HOPE!)
Watch Talan’s reaction to his qualifying run from Ninja Warrior and see the co-hosts take a bite out of Lyme.
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