Facing the DarknessContent Note: This article describes suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one are struggling, consider reading our mental health resources page. Living with major depressive disorder is exhausting in... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Diagnosis StoryI was diagnosed with AIDS in mid-June, 2000, in northwest Alabama. I was only 27 years old, with a marriage and three young babies. My youngest wasn’t even walking yet... By Katie Willingham3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
After a Diagnosis and Treatment, What do I do Now?I wasn’t expecting to be diagnosed with HIV for my 30th birthday. And I certainly wasn’t planning to be under treatment for HPV-related cancer thirty years later. Yet here I... By Robert Brunet3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Relationships, Recovery, and AdvocacyI was involved in an abusive homosexual relationship starting in October 2015 until April 2017. In April 2017, I almost died from being stabbed several times. I received staples and... By DeKeitra Griffin1 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Overcoming Trauma and Finding PurposeI live by the quote stating, “Try to look at your weakness and convert it into strength.” My life was not easy, and I have learned to be an overcomer... By DeKeitra Griffin3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Celebrating Pride With Loved OnesThis year I will forever remember my Los Angeles Pride experience. I was fortunate to accompany 4 of the most important people in my life to their very first pride... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
A Mind is a Terrible Thing to WasteWhen someone has been living with HIV for over 2 decades as I have, you begin to do your research, read and study in order to educate yourself on the... By Robert Ward3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Protecting Myself from Communicable IllnessesLiving with HIV has taught me just how necessary it is to protect myself from communicable illnesses. While my immune system is recovering from where it was during my diagnosis... By Heather Renee4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Diagnosed While Pregnant: My HIV Beginning"You are HIV positive," words we all have heard. Words I never expected nor had prepared myself to cope with when I was told to come into my obstetrics/gyneocology office... By Brooke Davidoff3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
What I Learned From My Electroencephalogram (EEG)When it comes to medical issues connecting the dots can be complicated. Sometimes it takes new doctors with new tests to start making the connections. When I started seeing a... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Aging and Transparency: The Strength in Sharing the Story of StruggleBoth living with HIV and aging over time is something that I and many others go through. I was young when I was diagnosed with HIV and, the older that... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
What Healthcare Providers Should Know About HIVLast month I was asked to be a consultant and look over a HIV curriculum that was used to teach healthcare providers about HIV. A very good friend of mine... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Disability Denial: Acceptance and Next StepsIn 2017, I went on social security disability. At the time, I thought my disability was approved due to all my health issues. I would later find out that my... By Heather Renee4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
A New Role: Where My Career and HIV Experience CollideI have some great news that I would like to share with you all. I was promoted from program supervisor to senior program manager at the organization that I work... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
From Struggle to Strength: Rediscovering LoveAs my boyfriend moved around the apartment, one of our dogs became overly excited. The next thing I know, his laptop hits the floor - hard. I flinch back and... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
My Cruising Vacation ExperienceI recently returned from my very first cruise. I was super nervous to go for various reasons. These reasons ranged from being stuck on a ship for 6 days to... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
This Is How Black Women FeelAmong all women, Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV and have the highest rate of HIV diagnosis in the United States. Over the years, I have seen and learned... By Davina Conner2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
What to Consider When Considering DisclosingI have disclosed my status to so many people over the last few years - I honestly remember each conversation. I am sure that many people reading this might have... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
My Medical Care Journey: Transitioning from Negative to Positive CareReceiving an HIV diagnosis can easily knock you off your feet and stun you. This happened to me. Once the initial impact wore off, I realized that I had settled... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Why I Shouldn't Be Afraid to Call My Doctor BackThe first time I heard the term AFRAIDS was several years before I tested positive for HIV. A friend said it was a new disease killing people. It made people... By Robert Brunet3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments