From Despair to Beacon: Geeta Kori's Inspiring Journey Living with HIV

Imagine a journey that takes an hour and a half, twice a month, just to get the vital medication that keeps you alive. For Geeta Kori, a courageous 45-year-old from Bhiwandi, Mumbai, this wasn't just a commute; it was a lifeline. Her story isn't merely about collecting drugs; it's a profound testament to the human spirit's ability to not just survive, but truly thrive, even when faced with an HIV diagnosis.

Thirteen years ago, Geeta's life took an unimaginable turn. Diagnosed with HIV, the news hit her like a tidal wave, especially compounded by the loss of her husband shortly after. She remembers that period with a visceral clarity: her body wasted away, dropping to a mere 38 kilograms. Fevers, fatigue, constant vomiting, and debilitating diarrhea became her daily reality. It was a dark, frightening time, a battle against her own body and the crushing weight of despair.

But amidst the darkness, a spark of hope flickered. Her doctors at Sion Hospital assured her that with consistent antiretroviral therapy (ART) and proper nutrition, she could reclaim her health. It wasn't an easy path, not by a long shot. Each journey to the hospital for her medication was a commitment, a conscious choice to fight for another day. Yet, buoyed by the unwavering support of her family, Geeta held on, taking her medication religiously and, perhaps just as importantly, learning to nourish herself back to strength.

The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. From a frail 38 kg, she steadily gained weight, returning to a healthy 65 kg. Her energy returned, her smile widened, and the vibrancy that HIV had tried to steal from her slowly, beautifully, came back. Geeta wasn't just surviving anymore; she was living, truly living, and with a renewed purpose.

This deeply personal journey, full of its own trials and triumphs, naturally led her to a new calling: becoming a peer counsellor at Sion Hospital. Who better to offer solace, guidance, and practical advice than someone who has walked that very path? Every day, she meets five to six patients, often newly diagnosed, their faces etched with the same fear and uncertainty she once knew. She understands their unspoken anxieties, the stigma they dread, the questions that haunt them.

Her message to them is simple, yet profound: "HIV is not a death sentence." She emphasizes the critical importance of consistent treatment adherence – taking medication on time, every time – and living a positive, stigma-free life. Geeta doesn't just offer information; she offers a living example of resilience, a tangible promise of a future. She’s a testament to the fact that a diagnosis is not an end, but merely a different beginning.

The support she receives from institutions like the Mumbai District Aids Control Society (MDACS) and medical professionals like Dr. Mamta Manglani, the in-charge of Sion’s ART centre, further empowers her vital work. Geeta Kori’s story is a powerful reminder that with courage, support, and consistent care, life with HIV can be full, meaningful, and incredibly impactful. She truly is a beacon of hope, lighting the way for countless others.