I am NSABIMANA Mary Seconde, and this is my story—a tale of resilience, advocacy, and the unyielding spirit that has guided me through the darkest of times.
Born into a humble family in rural Burundi, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. Raised alongside my siblings by loving parents, I was taught to do everything, from tending to the cows to closing enclosures with heavy wooden rods. Little did I know, these early lessons in resilience would shape the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined.
As I grew older, my thirst for knowledge and my passion for helping others led me to pursue a career as a social worker. Armed with determination and a heart full of compassion, I embarked on a journey to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
In 1985, I married a man in uniform, and together, we welcomed two beautiful children into our lives. Life was full of promise and hope, until one day, it all changed.
It began with a lymph node alert—a seemingly innocent concern that would unravel the fabric of my existence. Despite reassurances from doctors, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. And so, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, determined to uncover the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface.
What I discovered shook me to my core. I was HIV positive—a diagnosis that would forever alter the course of my life. In a time when HIV/AIDS was shrouded in fear and stigma, I faced an uncertain future filled with challenges and obstacles.
Yet, in the face of adversity, I found strength. Armed with knowledge and determination, I became a fierce advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, working tirelessly to educate others and provide support to those in need. From visiting hospitalized patients to advocating for better access to treatment and prevention methods, I dedicated myself to making a difference in the lives of others.
But the journey was not without its struggles. I faced denial from loved ones, fear for the future of my children, and the constant battle against stigma and discrimination. Yet, through it all, I refused to be silenced. I spoke out against injustice, fought for the rights of those affected by HIV/AIDS, and never once wavered in my commitment to creating a brighter future for all.
Today, as I look back on the winding road that has brought me to where I am today, I am filled with gratitude for the strength that has carried me through the darkest of times. My journey has been marked by hardship and heartache, but it has also been defined by resilience, courage, and unwavering hope.
And so, I share my story—not as a tale of tragedy, but as a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the greatest of obstacles. For in the end, it is not our struggles that define us, but how we rise above them, with grace, courage, and an unyielding determination to make the world a better place for all.
