Young man battles back from viral meningitis

On Dec. 10, 2019, after passing out in his college dorm room, Dabi Arnipalli woke up a week later at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, battling viral meningitis. The normally athletic, sports-loving 19-year-old was weak and paralyzed. After his six-week hospitalization, Dabi’s parents chose Madonna to help their son get back on his feet. The Lincoln Campus care team created an individualized rehabilitation program to assist the young athlete in reaching his goal to walk.
Daily therapies, often incorporating sports, helped Dabi grow physically and emotionally stronger. His therapists introduced technology like the ICARE and Proprio to rebuild Dabi’s leg muscles and coordination. A month later, Dabi celebrated a pivotal moment during a group bowling outing when he stood confidently unassisted.
Dabi’s innate drive to return to his favorite hobbies gained momentum as he continually milestones—soon trading his wheelchair for a walker and then a cane. Six weeks later, Dabi started the TherapyPlus outpatient program where his team refined his gait, balance and agility.
Dabi’s family provided loving support, alternating between Madonna’s onsite housing and their home in Overland Park, Kansas. “It was great” said Anu, Dabi’s mother. “We made a really good decision to come here.”
Three months post-trauma, Dabi turned an uncertain future around as he walked independently out the doors of Madonna. He’s resumed engineering classes at the University of Kansas and leads an active life of hiking, cycling, and playing recreational sports.