Long COVID — clinically known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection — is a life-altering condition that affects more than 400 million people worldwide. Symptoms can persist for months or even years after the initial infection. Often dismissed and poorly understood, long COVID can derail lives, careers and futures.

For Shalisha Kennedy, it did all three.

A dedicated professional working in the prison system in Atlanta, Georgia, Kennedy first thought her symptoms in April 2020 were seasonal allergies. But when her shortness of breath worsened and her fatigue became debilitating, Kennedy sought medical help. At the time, COVID-19 was still new, and testing was unreliable. She was diagnosed with a low-grade fever and sent home. Unable to breathe properly or stay awake for more than a few hours, she was forced to stop working.

Months passed. By September 2020, Kennedy had developed blood clots in her lungs — a harrowing escalation. Local physicians prescribed blood thinners but dismissed her persisting fatigue and brain fog, chalking it up to stress or weight. “They told me to lose weight and be more active,” Kennedy recalls. “But I couldn’t even walk across the room without collapsing.”

The turning point came in 2022 when Kennedy relocated to Maryland and came under the care of Alba Azola, M.D., co-director of the Long COVID/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Clinic at Johns Hopkins Medicine. For the first time in years, she was heard.

“It was a blessing to be transferred to Hopkins and to Dr. Azola. She was the first doctor who really listened. I finally felt heard.”

Azola diagnosed her with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome — conditions now increasingly associated with long COVID. Since then, Kennedy has received comprehensive care and, just as importantly, hope. She has participated in several clinical research studies at Johns Hopkins to help others still searching for answers.

Kennedy’s story is one of resilience—but also a call to action.

Long COVID is not rare. It is not temporary. And for millions, it is disabling. Research is the only path forward.

At Johns Hopkins, clinician-scientists like Azola are uncovering the underlying biology, testing treatments and reshaping how the world understands post-viral illness. Every patient like Kennedy is not just receiving care — they’re contributing to discoveries that will save lives

Because research isn’t just about science. It’s about people.

Research Saves Lives. Shalisha Kennedy's journey proves it.