My Kidneys Were Failing. I Was Scared and in Disbelief. All I Could Do Was Cry

Calvin Sykes, a Miami sports journalist and sports student who suffered from asthma, recounts his grueling battle with COVID-19, serving as a stark reminder that youth and good physical health do not guarantee immunity against the virus. Sykes endures a nightmarish ordeal early in the first wave, facing acute kidney failure and perilous medical interventions. His candid narrative exposes the anxiety-ridden loop of fear when discussing his health with his mother and the ordeal of enduring isolation. Moreover, his attempts to seek medical care reveal the shortcomings of the institutional response during the initial stages of the devastating wave. Despite eventual recovery, Sykes copes with trauma, hesitates to return to campus, and deals with minor complications. His story underscores the severity of the virus, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety measures for the community’s well-being. Lingering symptoms of long COVID and enduring mental impact continue to challenge Sykes even after recovery.