I Survived a Deadly Disease in Prison. No One Else Should Have To Face It.

While incarcerated at California’s Wasco State Prison in November 2024, I woke up drenched in sweat. I quickly became sicker: body aches, shortness of breath, and no energy. I recognized the symptoms of valley fever, a lung infection caused by fungus that grows in the Southwest. Despite repeated requests to be tested for it, I was instead told it was pneumonia and given antibiotics.

My symptoms worsened. My face swelled. My breathing became labored, and I had to be rushed to an outside hospital. I lost 25 pounds in two weeks and feared I wouldn’t survive to see my family again. After weeks of declining health and multiple sick call forms, I was finally able to get tested for Valley Feverin December. The result came back: positive.

It shouldn’t have taken that long. I now have to take lif