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NEED TO KNOW
The Blind Side star Quinton Aaron's family is sharing an update after his recent hospitalization
His family shared on Thursday, Jan. 29, that he suffered a spinal stroke
Aaron is "alert, aware and recovering," his family said in a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday, Jan. 29
The Blind Sidestar Quinton Aaron's family is sharing whyhe was recently hospitalized.
The actor, 41, best known for his portrayal ofMichael Oherin the 2009 film, suffered a spinal stroke, his family said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Thursday, Jan. 29.TMZwas the first to report the news.
Aaron's family also expressed gratitude for the "overwhelming love, support and prayers," adding that he is now "alert, aware and recovering."
Spinal strokes occur when something, such as blood clots or hemorrhages, stops blood flow in a person's spinal cord, according to theCleveland Clinic. The condition is very rare, less than 1% of all strokes, and "can still be fatal or cause permanent disabilities."
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"The Aaron family has a lot to deal with for the betterment of their loved one, but will be sure to keep everyone posted regarding Quinton's health as we see fit," the family's statement read.
"We kindly ask the public to please respect the decisions we make and to please understand that false information or statements may be made by others who continue to come forward but are not fully informed or aware of all of the facts surrounding his condition nor are they authorized to do so."
The family said if individuals who are not blood relatives decide to speak about his condition without consent, "there will be legal repercussions."
AGoFundMefundraiser, which a GoFundMe rep confirmed to PEOPLE is authentic, was set up to help with his medical expenses.
The recent hospitalization comes nearly a year after he was hospitalized for coughing up blood and coming down with a fever in February 2025,TMZpreviously reported.
Aaron said at the time that medics believed he was dealing with Type A flu, as well as pneumonia. He also suffered a severe upper respiratory infection back in 2019, according to the outlet.
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Following his February hospitalization, he announced in an OctoberInstagrampostthat he'd lost 200 lbs.
"I am overwhelmed and blessed to announce that I have reached another cool milestone in my life," Aaron captioned the post which included two side-by-side photos of his body transformation.
In February 2022, Aaron toldTMZthat he'ddropped 100 lbs. after gaining weight during the COVID-19 pandemicdue to binge-eating.
Aaron's credits also includeBe Kind Rewind,Left Behind,Mothers and DaughtersandTraded.
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