PWN Pennsylvania

Kenya, born Kenya Randall, is a native of Camden, New Jersey that has been living with HIV since 2014. She says the news of her diagnosis took the breath from her very soul, but she is a survivor. While living in Philadelphia, she became ill and had no access to healthcare, and so she returned home to Camden to be with her family. She was rushed from her sister’s couch to Cooper Hospital with pneumocystis pneumonia (or PCP), and there she was devastated to learn she had acquired HIV. During treatment she was introduced to an African American doctor, Dr. Lightfoot, who treated Kenya until her viral load was undetectable. “I call her my life-saver,” says Kenya. She was then transferred to 3 Cooper Plaza for continuing care and encountered discrimination in the medical setting. Staff members complained that Kenya was too outspoken, too much of an advocate for herself, but she fought through these hardships.

After migrating back to Pennsylvania, she became aware of the Ryan White Program and they were able to connect her with care in her area. At this time Kenya also sought mental health care, and was connected with community care groups. “I was pleased to meet people living with HIV, just like me. I felt safe and content,” says Kenya. After finding Project TEACH in Philadelphia, Kenya was introduced to Positive Women’s Network and members of the PA chapter, and the rest is herstory! She immediately joined as a member, quickly became chapter secretary and later soared to become the co-chair of PWN-PA, where she has led countless campaigns for the betterment of her community and all people living with HIV.