A Life Saved by Science, Luck and Determination

A fragile beginning

The fact is I don’t remember much from my early years. But here’s the key point: I really shouldn’t even be here.

Around the age of two, I became critically ill. Somehow, I contracted meningo-encephalitis. Meningitis… with a side order of encephalitis. On their own, they’re both nasty diseases. But together? Well, it’s kind of like winning the disease lottery. My life looked pretty bleak. The doctors were not optimistic. Meningitis can be a killer. Vaccines exist today but not back in 1960.  Due to encephalitis, the doctors put me into a sedated semi-comatose state which may have saved me from further brain trauma.

But the doctors could not stop the infection. Although they tried, the antibiotics weren’t beating the infection. The doctors told my parents I would likely not survive.

But science prevailed. After trying everything, the doctors decided to try an experimental drug trial on me. No other options. I prevailed. My case was written up in a number of medical journals. I should have been a sad memory for my parents, but fate (and science) intervened. Turns out luck would be a recurring theme in my life… but more on that later.

Defying the odds

When I left the hospital, the doctors confided to my mom that I’d likely need to be institutionalized due to brain trauma. Though traditional school was initially a challenge, I persevered.

I don’t remember much of the early illness. I guess I probably still have some post-traumatic stress symptoms. Maybe that is why my blood pressure goes up when I see a doctor. But this was the pivot that defined my life forever. And it impacted my development for many years. And I guess I still have scars.  But medicine got me over the first key bump in my life.

Recovery and lasting effects

But the real challenge for me was post sickness. I had lost about a year of my life – and during one of the most critical development stages in a child. So, although the physical symptoms were put to rest, the ongoing emotional and cognitive challenges were just beginning.

Support at home

I was really lucky to have had an angel for a mother. I have vague memories of sitting in the front room in my playpen soaking up the sun. Or playing on the trampoline bought to help me with my recovery. Or banging the keys on the piano. I think I was a pretty happy kid but I struggled to do basic things. But mom was always there – cheering me on and pushing me.  It was gentle but directed. And it is clear I never would have succeeded in life without my amazing mother.

A life beyond expectations

In the end, I proved the doctors wrong. Two master’s degrees (and I nearly made it to medical school). And over a forty-year career, I worked for over sixteen different companies and visited over sixty countries around the world. I rose to become one of the leading software architects spearheading multiple billion-dollar deals and earning two Outstanding Technical Achievement awards. To sum it up in one word: WOW!

Being so sick was a difficult way to start life. And I suffered from the effects of the sickness for many years

But what is more amazing – here I am at nearly 69 years of age. A road warrior. And this from the kid that doctor’s thought would not live to the age of four.

If you would like to speak to our support team about encephalitis, please contact our helpline.

Story published September 2026