At the age of 22, after being in a monogamous relationship, I was diagnosed with AIDS. Being a college student at Sam Houston State University, looking forward to pledging my favorite sorority, enjoying college life and obtaining a degree were no longer an option for me when coming to the intersection of life and death.
I was told that I would not make it, because my body was just too far gone. With only (2) T cells, my body's natural defense system was almost gone. I had swollen lymph nodes, 98% fluid on my lungs, and all of my muscle mass shifted. After being told that my life may be short lived due to AIDS, I mentally reversed the words that were told to me to the complete opposite. Instead of me believing what was being told to me, that I had AIDS and I was going to die; I put in my mind, just because I have AIDS, I am not going to die and I am going to do everything to live!
To read Kecia's intro in its entirety, click here.