Sometimes there are stories worth retelling because they are so inspirational, and here is one one of them. This woman was given 3 days to live but defied the odds. Read on to learn about her incredible achievements!
This girl was given 3 days to live
Graduating from college is a challenge for anyone. Most of us have gone to schools that have taught us (hopefully) how to cope as students at university. But, some are born with a huge disadvantage, making it way tougher than usual.
In 2019, then 24-year-old Nekhidia Harris graduated from Medgar Evers College. Despite her mother being told that she would not live more than 3 days. However, even after being given 3 days to live, she’s still alive, and thriving! Diagnosed with multiple physical disabilities as well as brittle bones, Harris had a difficult time at school. But, that did not stop her from accomplishing her goal of graduating. She had to go through multiple surgeries and had many fractures and fully broken bones, but nothing could keep this little lady down for long.[1]
“I am so excited and I feel excellent. After all my hard work and long nights, sometimes sleepless nights, it feels really good to have finished my bachelor’s degree in social work.”
Her father, Michael, said in excitement;
“I was like, wow, oh my gosh, this is really, really happening and I thank God every day”
Against the odds
Doctors predicted that the young girl would not make it and that she only had three days to live due to her brittle bones. They most certainly did not expect her to live 24 years after being given 3 days to live. And even though she’s alive, they could never have imagined that she would graduate college with a degree in social work! Harris has always kept her eyes on the prize and continues to look ahead and plans to continue her education through the Master’s program at York College in Queens.[2]
At just under two feet tall, Harris is the height of an average toddler. That said, she has been welcomed into her school and has been treated very kindly.
“No one shuns her, no one treats her any differently because in their eyes she is as tall as they are.” Said Harris’ father. “She lights up a room no matter what darkness is in the room, she just lights up the whole room with er giant personality”
The next steps
“No one has treated me any differently and they have all been super kind. I use my brain like my height and I’ve stuck to that. And I surely have used my brain as my height.”
The girl who was once given 3 days to live is an inspiration. Harris has spearheaded a non-profit that motivates young children with disabilities. However, she is understaffed and can not do it alone.[2]
“I like to help people, especially children, I also have a voice and I love children and will use my voice for them. Children just seem to like me and they gravitate to me, so I want to help them in any and every way I can. I think its because of my height”
Harris is very well-liked in her community and goes by the nickname Nikki. She is also the founder of the Brooklyn-based Harris Family Vision Foundation. The foundation specializes in helping underprivileged children with education, housing, and treatment for any disabilities they may have.[1]
“The foundation helped me make my decision to study social work because I love helping, and it’s a part of my genes to give back, especially to children. Children obviously gravitate to me because they say I’m like them. They say, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s small like me’. And I do believe this is my calling.”
Harris says that she has always loved children as they are drawn to her as she to them; she feels that she can relate to them much more easily than adults her own age. Her next step is to pursue her Master’s and continue her work as a social worker to help as many children and adults as she can.
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Sources:
- “Only two feet tall, but helping families across the globe.” Jamaica Gleaner. Tamara Bailey. September 8, 2019.
- “Woman given 3 days to live at birth graduates Medgar Evers College.” ABC7. Lauren Glassberg. June 6, 2019.
