In 2010, 19-year-old Sam Ballard accepted a dare to swallow a live garden slug. While it seemed like a harmless prank, the slug carried a parasite called rat lungworm. This decision led to a tragic health battle that lasted nearly a decade.
The rat lungworm parasite entered Sam’s system and triggered a severe form of meningitis. While the human body can sometimes fight off such parasites, in Sam’s case, the larvae traveled directly to his brain. This caused massive inflammation and led to a 420-day coma.
When Sam eventually woke up, he suffered from permanent brain damage and total paralysis. The once-gifted rugby player required around-the-clock care and could no longer eat without help. He spent the remainder of his life in a wheelchair, supported by his dedicated family and friends.
Educational simulations now use Sam’s story to warn others about the hidden dangers of garden pests. Slugs and snails often carry life-threatening diseases that are not visible to the naked eye. Swallowing them—even on a dare—can have catastrophic results.
Sam passed away in 2018 at the age of 29. His family holds no grudges against his friends, choosing instead to focus on the extraordinary bond they shared. His story remains a powerful reminder of how one small, impulsive act can change a life forever.