My Most Important LessonI have been an advocate for over 5 years now. In that time, I have learned so much. I’ve learned about advances in the field of HIV treatment, other advocate... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
My Journey with KetoMonths ago, I began my journey with the keto diet. My weight was causing me so much physical, mental, and emotional stress that I wanted to take some sort of... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Common HIV MythsAs a public health worker and advocate, I have dealt with a lot of myths surrounding HIV. Unfortunately, some of these are more common than most and are the hardest... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
My Self-Care Journey: An UpdateMonths ago, I talked about how it was time to practice what I preach and actually take time and action for self-care. I am happy to say that I have... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
I May Need A Lot, But I Don't Need Your PityWhile speaking to a good friend of mine about my life’s struggles and challenges, I made a statement that inspired me to write this: “No matter what I have gone... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
COVID and HIV: Feels Like Deja VuSince the COVID-19 crisis began, many of us faced the following months with uncertainty. I noticed a lot of mistrust, misinformation, and disbelief surrounding the events that were unfolding. Once... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Advocacy: The Work That Never EndsMost advocates know that our work isn’t done until the epidemic has ended. That’s something we all learn the more we advocate. But let's take a step back, back from... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Nothing Stands Without SupportAny engineer will tell you that you can’t build something successfully without support. Just like the mighty oak must have a strong system of roots to grow and flourish, someone... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Self-Care: Practicing What I PreachThere are few concepts in this world that are more common than not “practicing what you preach.” I have definitely been in the category of “Do as I say, not... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Magnetic Couples - More Than Just AttractionWhen you think of magnets, many different things might come to mind. The main idea is always the same: two things being drawn together by an invisible force. Well, I... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
The Importance of CommunityHIV. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The first word is the most important to remember: we are human. We are social creatures at our core and have a need to connect and... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
The War on Stigma – Ignorance Is Our Greatest EnemyAs an advocate, I consider myself a warrior against the most dangerous threat facing people living with HIV: stigma. Stigma is so powerful a force that it causes so many... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
The Masks We WearAs I sit here on Halloween night, staying inside instead of venturing out, I am left thinking about the wonderful variety of masks that are being worn right now. Not... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Once You Know Your Status, Know Your ServicesLearning you have HIV can be some of the most life-changing news you may ever receive. It takes time to cope and time to accept. Even after knowing your status... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Self-Advocacy: Your Doctors Work For YouIn my 32 years living with HIV, I came to learn one hard lesson: your doctors work for YOU. Once you have given them your payment information, they are under... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
For Those Born with HIV: Where Is Our Day?Having HIV since birth, I have been given much to mourn and much to celebrate. Celebration and remembrance are two very important parts of an advocate’s life. We revel in... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Growing Up with HIV: My ChallengeLife is full of wonder, and sometimes, we wonder why life is so full of challenges. My life, of course, is no different. Everything started off normal enough: I was... By Shawn KruegerBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments