Teen Thought She Was Sick from Busy Freshman Year. She Later Got a Shock Diagnosis — and Nearly Lost Her Legs
By Nicholas Rice
Published on March 28, 2026.
Lara Drew, a student, initially thought her health issues were due to a busy freshman year and dismissed them. She was rushed to a local hospital after suffering a painful headache and an adverse reaction to lights. Following a lumbar puncture, doctors discovered that she had streptococcal meningitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. Drew, now 22, is now advocating for health awareness and for the health of her loved ones. She also highlighted the importance of being a health advocate for yourself and others.
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