Oologah Meningitis Survivor Reaches Another Milestone

Jeremiah Mitchell reached another milestone. The eight year old meningitis survivor is now using a prosthetic arm.

Jeremiah Mitchell is now a 2nd grader at Tulsa's Hamilton Elementary. He's walked on his stubbies since last March and now he's sporting the next step in his recovery, a prosthetic arm.

"He's taken off with these just like he has with his legs, just Super Jeremiah," said Jeremiah's mother Machaela Mitchell.

Jeremiah lost his arms and legs after getting bacterial meningitis in March of 2010. Two children died during the outbreak and four other children were hospitalized.

Jeremiah's recovery and spirit have amazed everyone around him. Sheri Wheatley is Jeremiah's personal helper at school.

"He never is down on himself, he never feels sorry for himself," said Para-Professional Sheri Wheatley.

Jeremiah has only had his prosthetic arm for a few days. It's a full length right arm with a metal hook on the end.

He's able to use it to write his name and draw shapes. But what stands out is how he's able to move it. He moves the arm at the elbow; his right arm was amputated just below the shoulder.

"It's all back muscle strength and a lot of shoulder movement," Machaela said. "To get it to do different things he has to do different with his arm motion."

Jeremiah's mom and those closest to him say every day brings more surprises and more proof that it's not he who's blessed but those who know him.

"All the rest of us we gripe about everything, but it seems like he never has anything negative to say about his condition and it's inspiring. It's amazing," Wheatley said.

Jeremiah will get his full left prosthetic arm after he's gotten used to manipulating his right arm.

He's scheduled to go back to the Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati next month for a checkup on his facial reconstruction. He'll most likely have another surgery this summer.

07/27/2011 Related Story: Oologah Meningitis Survivor Jeremiah Mitchell Gets New Wheelchair