Survivor Stories

Matt Williams

I JUST discovered this site, and think that it honestly is very powerful for those who have been touched personally by meningitis. I am one of those people. I'm a little unclear on all the details, but it occurred when I was three years old in Waynesboro, Virginia. I became very ill, and was initially diagnosed with a common infection. When my condition worsened, my terrified parents rushed me to the University of Virginia Hospital, where I was admitted and later diagnosed with meningitis. I was in a coma when I was admitted, and the outlook was pretty grim.

Thanks to the doctors at UVA and a lot of luck, I left the hospital one month later. While no doubt lucky to be alive, I wound up with total deafness in my left ear and a fairly mild hearing loss in my right ear. I remember having to re-learn how to walk, and I remember years of speech therapy in the school system.

All that being said, I'm so fortunate to be where I am. I was a strong high school student, and completed a BA degree at the College of William & Mary. I'm currently 33, living in the Washington, DC suburbs, and have a great career as a manager in an insurance company.

I'm even more proud of the fact that I didn't let my hearing get in the way of singing, I've been singing since a young boy, and I've found a wonderful "side career" as a singer and actor in the DC area, and singing has taken me all over the country as well as overseas.

I still have a bit of a lisp, but hey- who's perfect?

I'm so thankful that there is a place for people to share stories. I'm happy to talk to anyone that thinks I could be of a help to them. If you'd like to post my story, please feel free. I'm sure I went on too long, feel free to edit if you like. If there's a need in the DC area for folks to discuss Meningitis, I'd be pleased to help out. I know what it was like to grow up with it, and I know how INCREDIBLY difficult for my parents. I also know how lucky I am to even be here to write this!

Thanks so much for the site, and for your time!

Did this story move you? The Meningitis Foundation of America provides these stories so that families can share their experiences with Meningitis. It is with your financial support that these families have a voice - please click here to make your tax-deductible donation today.