Katie Thompson

Today marks 20 years since I woke up one morning to the fight of my life against bacterial meningitis.

Looking back at the years since I have certainly encountered a lot of challenges. Challenges don’t always bring loss and despair though. Sometimes they come with victory and faith. My experiences have shown me that life can be what you make of it, and this knowledge guides me on my own path to do life my way.

I was a determined girl before meningitis and my scars have only made me more fierce. Some wounds took longer than others to heal. Facing the reality that I may not make it through the night that night changed me forever. It made almost every other challenge I’d faced previously inconsequential. I discovered what I was really capable of, and that the Holy Spirit is merciful and miraculous.

My persistence helped me survive not just the acute illness but also the long-term impacts of meningitis. Spite is also helpful. I have lost count of how many times I’ve been told I can’t do something only to press on and make it happen, and then do some more for good measure. It gave me the insight that people who doubt you are always wrong, as long as you believe in who you are.

I am also grateful that for every surgery I’ve endured there has been a recovery. Meningitis is a cruel disease that leaves so many questions unanswered for everyone it touches. Every day my heart aches for those that are no longer with us and their families. Despite my own suffering I owe it to them to keep fighting every single day I can.

I’m one of the lucky people – not just as a meningitis survivor, but as someone who can say they saw all of their dreams come true. I’ve learned that while you should have dreams and set goals to strive for, you should never limit yourself. Nothing is impossible.

What a gift I was given at such a young age! It came at a high cost to know the purpose of one’s life, and to recognize the fragility of our short time here on this earth at the age of 18. However I could not have learned this lesson any other way. I could not become the person I am today, a proud wife, mother, and survivor, without meningitis.

My greatest achievements aren’t just what’s listed on my resume, although I am eternally grateful for every opportunity this journey has placed in my path. Some of my best moments are witnessed only by the Universe. Getting up every day and getting to live and love as my whole, true self has been my biggest and best achievement. There were so many things that were thrown at me, so many chances I had to give up or lose my way, yet I am still here and will continue on as long as this path will take me. Fortunately for me there is no end to the opportunities one has to share love with this world, and for me there is no better joy.

Thank you for your continued support as I reflect on the impacts bacterial meningitis has made on my life for the 20th anniversary of my journey. For more information about bacterial meningitis, talk to you or your child’s doctor, visit https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/bacterial-meningitis.html and meningitisprevention.org.