Teenager in Spain Loses Limbs to Meningitis

Why this is here: Gorka Goñi’s family has received more than 4,000 donations totaling over 360,000 euros to fund his prosthetic limbs and recovery.

In Baztán, Spain, 17-year-old Gorka Goñi contracted fulminant meningococcal sepsis in January, resulting in the amputation of both legs and his left arm. Gorka, a soccer player and mountain biking enthusiast, fell ill quickly with fever and vomiting, eventually requiring hospitalization and multiple surgeries. Doctors determined the tissue damage—roughly 80% of his skin was necrotic—necessitated amputation, even though he had been vaccinated against one strain of the bacteria.

The Spanish National Society of Neurology notes meningitis is a leading cause of death from infection in children, with around 1,000 cases annually in Spain. Gorka’s family temporarily left their jobs to care for him, and his younger brother is receiving psychological support to cope with the changes.

Since launching a fundraising campaign called "Gurekin Zaude," the family has received over 360,000 euros in donations to cover the cost of prosthetics and rehabilitation. Gorka hopes to return home soon and eventually ride a bike again, despite the challenges ahead.