Bobby Panagiotopoulos, a vibrant 27-year-old with a heart of gold, and beloved football and track coach at Lowell High School, has been courageously battling an unexpected and rare medical condition since May 13, 2025.  Without warning, Bobby was struck by a series of severe seizures. Doctors diagnosed him with NORSE (New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus) — a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by continuous, treatment-resistant seizures in individuals with no prior history of epilepsy or neurological disorders. Alongside NORSE, Bobby is also being treated for autoimmune encephalitis, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.  Bobby spent 35 days in a medically induced coma, continuously seizing despite being given multiple medications and sedatives. Eventually, doctors placed him in a paralyzing coma, which finally stopped the seizures and allowed the medications to take effect essentially giving his brain a chance to reset. In total, Bobby was hospitalized for 72 days in the Neuro Critical Care Unit, followed by 16 days in a rehabilitation facility, where he bravely relearned how to walk and regain independence in daily activities. Today, Bobby is finally home and focused on healing. His recovery journey is far from over and includes managing multiple seizure medications, blood clot and autoimmune injections, as well as ongoing physical and speech therapy to help him regain strength and memory. He also attends regular medical appointments as part of his comprehensive care plan. While Bobby’s long-term prognosis remains uncertain due to the rarity of his condition, he continues to defy the odds with his unshakable determination, positive spirit, and the unwavering support of his loving family, friends, and dedicated medical team at Tufts Medical Center.

-Ray Keefe