LITTLE ROCK, AR — Arkansas Children’s Hospital doctors gave clearance for a Benton girl fighting parasic meningitis to be released from the hospital.
Kali Hardig has been fighting parasitic meningitis since July after she got sick while swimming. The brain eating parasite entered through her nose and attacked her brain.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” said Kali.
Since then, she has been going to therapy sessions to get back her physical skills and working her brain.
Now Kali’s doctors are preparing for her to go to class part time.
“Monday we plan for Kali to go back to school from nine until noon and hopefully go back to school during that time of three hours,” said Dr. Esther Tompkins.
Doctors used an experimental drug, called miltefosine, to treat Kali’s sickness. But they would not say whether the drug is the main reason why Kali survived.
“It wasn’t one single event. I think the miracle happened in multiple small doses in the last 55 days,” said Dr. Matt Linam.
Regardless, her parents are pleased she can go home.
“I’m just glad to see it is here. There are no words you can say,” said Joseph Hardig.
Kali has one bit of advice for other people.
“Be careful when you go to water parks and wear your nose plugs,” said Kali.
