HANAHAN, S.C. – A Hanahan sophomore and junior varsity baseball player is living proof that miracles can and do still happen. After a three-month-long, grueling stay in the hospital battling a life-threatening case of bacterial meningitis, Brock Borton finally returned home Wednesday.
“Hanahan has witnessed a miracle! The sophomore who was not expected to survive three months ago was just escorted by the Hanahan Police Department from MUSC to his home in Hanahan, skipping right over a rehabilitation facility,” Hanahan High School Athletic Booster Club posted to Facebook.
Since Feb. 25, Borton had been in the ICU at the Medical University of South Carolina fighting for his life following his bacterial meningitis diagnosis.
In early March, high blood pressure and breathing difficulties ultimately led doctors to putting Borton into a medically-induced coma to stop his brain from swelling. Doctors eventually removed the left side of his skull to relieve pressure on the brain, friends and family said.
His last successful surgery occurred earlier this month where doctors replaced the part of his skull they previously removed due to the brain swelling.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial meningitis is serious. In fact, some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. Those who recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.
As for Borton, his friends said he has defied doctors’ recovery expectations.
“Walking, talking, breathing, seeing, hearing…He’s doing all the things docs thought he may never be able to do again,” Hanahan High School Athletic Booster Club said. “Now, let’s get him stronger so he can join the Hawks on their next run for a state championship in 2024!”
“Prayers have been answered!! This shows what can happen when a community comes together and gives it all to God,” the Hahahan Police Department posted to social media after escorting Borton home.
It’s not clear how Borton contract bacterial meningitis, however, symptoms can develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure, according to the CDC. Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and confusion.
People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions. Once infect, the bacteria enters the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord, the CDC reports.
Health experts say vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. However, like with any vaccine, these vaccines do not work 100% of the time. As a result, there is still a chance that even vaccinated people can develop bacterial meningitis.
Hanahan High School Athletic Booster Club continues to raise funds to help Borton and his family pay for his medical expenses. The club is currently raffling off a football signed by 21 Heisman trophy winners. To purchase a raffle, click this link.
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