She Was Feeding Stray Cats When One Bit Her. It Changed Her Life Forever
Kennedy Ward was doing a feeding a group of stray cats in her local neighborhood when, in one moment, her life changed forever.
In February 2023, Kennedy Ward was feeding stray cats when one cat, named Baby, bit her. At the time, doctors assured her there was nothing to worry about. However, weeks later, neighbors' cat tested positive for rabies, leading the health department to advise monitoring Baby. Baby's erratic behavior escalated, and he died a few days later.
Following protocol, Ward received rabies post-exposure treatment, including vaccination. Unbeknownst to her, her body had a hidden genetic disorder called hereditary angioedema (HAE), which caused severe swelling in response to the treatment. Ward was intubated eight times in three months, leading to a decade-long hospitalization.
Her experiences led to osteoporosis, blood clots, lung disease, a weakened immune system, and a range of cognitive impairments. Despite these challenges, Ward is now pursuing a master's degree, supported by family and her faith.
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