A Biography of a Woman Living with HIV by Tommy Ricks.
Diamond “Dee” McGee’s journey is one of profound heartbreak and unwavering strength. After receiving her HIV diagnosis in her early twenties, Dee grapples with feelings of shame, isolation, and fear of rejection. Her struggle is compounded by the stigma surrounding HIV in her community, testing her resilience and forcing her to confront deeply ingrained prejudices.
Through counseling and support from unexpected allies, Dee begins to rebuild her life, finding solace in writing and activism. Her advocacy for HIV awareness becomes a turning point, allowing her to inspire others while healing herself. The narrative takes readers through her battles with failing health, the loss of loved ones, and moments of despair, balanced by her triumphs in love, friendship, and purpose.
In the final chapters, Dee’s health declines, but her spirit remains indomitable. Her legacy lives on in the lives she’s touched, as the book concludes with an emotional letter she writes to her younger self, filled with hard-earned wisdom and hope. Before I Die is a testament to Dee’s bravery, offering a poignant reminder of the power of the human spirit to endure and uplift, even in the face of life’s most profound challenges.
Diamond “Dee” McGee’s story is a raw, unfiltered journey of survival and self-discovery. Growing up in a turbulent home, Dee turns to the streets of Lower Manhattan for solace, falling into a dangerous cycle of prostitution and drug use. Her life takes a devastating turn when she’s diagnosed with HIV, a moment that forces her to confront the choices and circumstances that led her here.
Unlike traditional tales of activism or advocacy, Dee’s journey is deeply personal. She doesn’t seek the spotlight or attempt to change the world; instead, she focuses on changing her own life. Battling addiction, poverty, and the stigma of her diagnosis, Dee finds a quiet strength within herself. Slowly, she begins to rebuild—leaving the streets behind, finding stability, and learning to live with her illness rather than letting it define her.
By sharing her story, Dee offers a stark but hopeful reminder that there is life after HIV. Her biography is not about heroics or grand gestures but about survival, resilience, and finding a way forward despite the odds. Before I Die is an intimate portrait of a woman reclaiming her life, teaching others through her experiences that redemption and hope are always within reach.
