Being a Kid Again: Lincoln’s Recovery After NMDA Encephalitis

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – This is the story of Lincoln and being a kid again.

Diagnosed with NMDA Encephalitis, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that affects the brain, Lincoln experienced seizures at home, which brought his condition to light. Prior to that frightening episode, Lincoln walked and spoke in 5-6 word sentences. After the seizure, he became nonverbal and unable to walk.

“I vividly remember being upstairs and I heard Nina call me from downstairs and you kind of know when the way they call you something’s going on,” said John Torres, Lincoln’s father. “I rushed downstairs and I remember seeing him. I remember [mom Nina Rivera] saying, ‘I think something’s wrong. He might be having a seizure or stroke or something’s going on.’ “

After spending time in acute care, Nina and John chose Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit to continue Lincoln’s recovery journey under the guidance of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medical Director Kimberly Kuchinski, MD, MPH, and the expert inpatient pediatric rehabilitation team. Good Shepherd got started right away on feeding and physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Today, Lincoln, 3, is receiving Early Intervention services through Good Shepherd and receives outpatient therapy services at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hyland Center in South Allentown.

“He’s climbing on everything and can do stairs on his own and just takes these crazy risks and wants to jump and do crazy crashing things like he would with his older brother,” said Physical Therapist Dakota Dionne.

Lincoln and his family were honored as the featured family at Good Shepherd’s 2026 Gala in Garden in June 2026.

Here’s Lincoln’s story:

In June 2026, Good Shepherd honored 3-year-old Lincoln and his family at the 2026 Gala in the Garden, an annual event supporting Good Shepherd’s inpatient pediatric rehabilitation program.