Surviving Against All Odds: The Inspirational Journey of Salima Witt

This is a guest post by Salima Witt, survivor of stage 3b kidney cancer and member of the Kidney Cancer Association’s Patient & Caregiver Advisory Council.

People often ask me, “How are you still alive?” For those familiar with my story, the answer is clear. My name is Salima Witt, and I am here to share my miraculous journey as a survivor of four near-death experiences.

Six years ago, I faced stage 3b kidney cancer, a battle known to many in the kidney cancer community. However, my story extends far beyond this single chapter. It is a testament to resilience and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming challenges.

My ordeal began during the birth of my second daughter when a critical oversight left the placenta in my body for six weeks. This medical error led to E. coli septic shock and subsequently placed me in a coma. I clung to life as my body deteriorated, ultimately losing the ability to walk without excruciating pain. After extensive consultations, I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis in the long bones of both my arms and legs at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where doctors informed me that I might never walk properly again.

The journey to recovery was fraught with obstacles. I embarked on a healing regimen that included hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) alongside various other treatments. Each day presented new challenges, but I remained determined to reclaim my life. However, my struggles did not end there. I subsequently battled meningoencephalitis, a serious condition that left me bedridden for eight months. During this time, I lost my ability to hear and see, seizures and much more, once again facing death.

Many have wondered how I managed to survive such daunting circumstances. The answer lies within the pages of my book, STATIC: Learn to Listen Through the Noise — It Could Save Your Life. The book will be available for purchase on Amazon on November 7. The term “static” symbolizes the distractions that cloud our intuition — whether we attribute this intuition to God, a higher power, or our inner selves. Throughout my journey, I learned to navigate these tumultuous times by honing a crucial skill: discerning through the static. One of the many tools I have learned is the art of surrendering, letting go.

Surrender is a concept that can be particularly challenging for those grappling with fear and uncertainty, especially in the context of a cancer diagnosis. Surrendering is fundamentally about letting go of the need to control every outcome and embracing life’s inherent uncertainties. This practice opens the door to freedom, enabling us to fully inhabit the present and navigate our challenges with resilience.

In our fast-paced lives, we are inundated daily with external stimuli—messages telling us what we should believe about ourselves, what is good for us, and how we should heal. This constant barrage creates static, similar to the interference one might experience while tuning into a radio or television channel, making it difficult to connect with our inner selves.

To foster this connection, I recommend dedicating time each day to quiet reflection. Consider what you are struggling with, what you are holding onto, and where you feel tension in your body. By observing your thoughts as if you were an audience member rather than a participant, you can cultivate a consciousness of your fears. This practice may lead you to consider surrendering those fears — whether to a higher power or simply to the reality of your situation.

Ultimately, surrendering involves a process of letting go of the false narratives that bind us. It encourages us to embrace the “what ifs” of life, allowing for freedom in the present moment. As we learn to listen beyond the noise, we can uncover the strength necessary to face adversity head-on.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing. We all face challenges in our lives, but how we respond to those challenges can shape our paths in profound ways. By practicing the art of surrender, we can learn to navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience.

My journey has taught me that survival is not merely a matter of physical endurance but also a testament to the power of hope, faith, and inner strength. As I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded that the human spirit is capable of remarkable resilience, and each of us has the ability to rise above our circumstances.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can learn to listen beyond the noise of our fears and expectations, discovering the strength that lies within us. Whether through reflection, connection with a higher power, or simply embracing the present moment, we can all find ways to thrive in the face of adversity.

In the end, our stories are not just about survival; they are about the lessons we learn and the connections we forge along the way. Let us embrace our journeys, support one another, and celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.