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I have been living with HIV/AIDS for over 17 years now and holding strong! In all those years, I have been hospitalized only three times and all were non-HIV related.

I was misdiagnosed with hepatitis B. Because hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease like HIV, my doctor wanted me to get an HIV test too. It took me a while to get the test and the results. I was shocked when the people at Planned Parenthood told me I was HIV-positive. That was well over 17 years ago.

It took me a couple of months to fight through the depression and I even contemplated taking my life. I felt as though the blackboard of my life had been erased. Everything I had planned — husband, kids, and dreams — were all up for reevaluation. I didn't think anyone would want to be around me. I was terrified what others would think. I feared more for life than death until I went to my first women's group where I saw women who were much sicker than me, yet looked great! I got educated and, through trial and tribulation, I rebuilt myself. I have since experienced a 15-year marriage. I helped raise 2 stepchildren and have grandchildren! God works in mysterious ways. It changed my life in a positive way by bringing me a greater awareness of what is important — friends, family, and nature. Now, I live!

I believe I contracted HIV through heterosexual sex about 8 to 10 years before I was diagnosed. At the time, I was taking birth control. It didn't even occur to me to use a condom. I felt as though I was protected and since I wasn't a homosexual, I wasn't at risk. Little did I know the risk I was taking. I protected my ability to choose to bring another life into the world, but neglected to care for my own life.

After my diagnosis, my first contact with family was with my stepmother. She was very loving and comforting. Then I talked with my father; he was just in shock. I will never forget that "gut wrenched" look on his face. They both tried to help me find literature and resources. I told my boyfriend and he was very supportive but had to let me go for a couple of months because I chose to live in the illness every moment. He and I actually got married later. I chose to be very selective in telling people in my circle by testing the waters slowly. Anyone I did not trust had to wait awhile. I felt it was my obligation to protect not only myself but my family and friends from the ignorance and ridicule of others who didn't know all the facts of HIV transmission. Overall, all the friends and family I have chosen to tell over the years have been very supportive. I am so blessed.

I think the stigma has changed some as far as acceptance. More friends and people that I come in contact with aren't afraid of me. Most people know you can't contract it with casual contact. Unfortunately, I believe the stigma about the disease being homosexually-based still exists. Some of my friends would be scared to get tested in fear that they would be thought of as gay. And unfortunately, some organizations are perpetuating that image by focusing too much effort in that one area.

I try my best to get the word out. I speak publically, "outing" myself a bit more. I take every chance I can to put my face with the illness because, as an HIV-positive woman, I believe I am anyone. I even created an avatar named "IAmAnyone" on a virtual reality website to try and inform people about HIV. I have fought to get more programs that are heterosexually-based so that people with fears can be comfortable expressing themselves openly.

We live in a voyeuristic society and we are not seeing enough about HIV in the United States. That scares me. It's spreading and yet we are not seeing enough.

Absolutely! El Rio Special Immunology and Dr. Kevin Carmichael have kept me alive with all their support! Positively Beautiful, founded and led by Dr. Heather Moroso, has helped me maintain my energy and self esteem! Karyl L. Williams at the Congress Clinic gave me the inner strength to keep moving forward!

I try my best to eat right. I told myself a long time ago that I was not going to go to extremes with ultra healthy food and fads. I rest. I take my medicine and see my doctor on a regular basis. I spend time with my friends and my family. I enjoy nature as much as possible. The most important thing to being healthy is watching my stress level and managing it. Stress is the one thing I have found that can put me down.

There is hope. You can live a very long time and be healthy and happy! If I can do it, you can too! Be proactive and get into a group. It truly helps to know that you aren't alone.

I have been blessed with having 2 wonderful HIV-negative men in my life in the last 18 years; my ex-husband, and now my boyfriend. They have known me from day one and have accepted me and my illness. They are true men. And girls, there are many more out there!