Back in 2010, when he was just 19 years old, Sam Ballard’s life took a dramatic turn after his friends dared him to eat a slug.
He recalled the moment during an interview with The Project, saying, “We were sitting over here having a bit of a red wine appreciation night, trying to act as grown ups and a slug came crawling across here.”
After Sam swallowed the slug, he found out that it was infected with a parasite called rat lungworm.
Sam Ballard’s life changed forever at the age of 19Family Handout
While this particular disease can be treated, it is quite serious and ultimately caused significant damage to Sam’s health.
When he finally woke up, he was left severely disabled.
Katie Ballard, Sam’s mother, took on the role of a full-time caregiver for her son, providing him with round-the-clock support.
Sadly, he died after struggling with numerous medical challenges.
She also revealed that Sam’s last words to his mother were simply, “I love you.”
Sam needed round-the-clock careTheProjectTV
Katie has never held Sam’s friends responsible for what happened to him.
“How stupid that a kid does something like that and expects everybody to pay for it.”
“His family have lost him, you know. And all the great times they should have had with him.”
She added that the boys were “just being mates.”
“Your friendship to Sam was extraordinary.”
