Toddler who lost toes, fingers and leg to deadly brain disease thriving with prosthetics

A toddler who contracted a deadly strain of meningitis in April 2015 and almost lost his life is thriving after having one of his legs amputated and being fit with a prosthetic.

News.com.au reported that Taylor Marshall, of Nottingham, Britain, also had to have all 10 fingers and toes removed when they turned black after being diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia type W. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meningitis involves swelling of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord— an effect usually caused by infection of the fluid surrounding those body parts.

In Taylor’s case, the infection caused total body shutdown, leaving the tot unable to eat or drink.

“It was the worst day of my life when doctors prepared us to say our goodbyes,” Terri, his mother, told news.com.au. “His legs were black and he was hooked up to every machine possible. I just prayed he would pull through, and after surgeons amputated his left leg, toes, and fingers on both hands, he started to improve and smile again.”

Five months ago, he was discharged from the hospital, and four weeks later he received his prosthetics: an artificial left leg and a splint for his right leg, which was left in place but remains injured from the brain disease. Nearly a year after his diagnosis, Taylor is happy and walking again.

“I was so happy I could have cried when he stood up for the first time,” Terri told the news website. “Taylor is the biggest fighter I have ever known, he’s amazing.”