Interviews and Spotlights

Our beautiful baby boy was born at 24 weeks. When my doctor said that he was out, I held my breath, waiting and praying to hear him cry. When he took his breath, I released mine. He was immediately rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Shortly after I returned to my room, one of the nurses came in and asked me for my cell phone. She took it and returned with pictures and a video. That video was the first time that I saw my son.

When I think of October, I don't just think of cooler weather and pumpkin-flavored treats. I also think about the well-known pink breast cancer ribbon, because each year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, organizations from all across the country run promotions and campaigns featuring the pink ribbon to help raise awareness about breast cancer. For many of us, it's a cancer we all know too well. We know a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker who has been touched by breast cancer. And it doesn't discriminate.

It's hard to believe that OWH has been around for only 25 years, especially when you consider all the progress that has been made in women's health — from the Violence Against Women Act to more effective birth control options to improved access to affordable, quality health care. We've talked a lot about these achievements, but not enough about the people who make our success possible.

On Easter Sunday 2007, I woke up unable to move from the neck down. It sounds scary now, but I wasn't scared at the time. I just thought I was getting sick, which had become increasingly common for me and meant being really sick. Little did I know how sick I was.

On December 31, 2011, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! It was something I had dreamed about for so long. I remember the day after she was born — I was crying on the phone with my midwife because I was so overwhelmed. My baby was so little and I didn't really know what to do.

Today, we'll change tomorrow. –The United State of Women Summit

Ed. note: This blog is cross-posted from the Huffingtonpost.com. The original post date was May 12, 2016. Read the original post.

I think most people would think of me as being a pretty healthy person. I certainly try to maintain healthy habits by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, keeping up with yoga every day, drinking plenty of water, and getting a good night's sleep. So it was a real surprise to me that during the first three months that I was a co-host on The Chew, I actually gained 20 pounds.

People LOVE to say, "Oh she is living with HIV." Correction: HIV is living with me. If I were living with HIV, I would live my life by HIV's terms — and I simply cannot do that. I am a Taurus, a bull, so I am stubborn. I am no different when it comes to my diagnosis. What do I mean when I say that HIV is living with me? HIV is like my roommate. We share an apartment, but I have the master suite.

Content warning: Rape and sexual assault

"She's totally asking for it. Look at what she's wearing — a sexy, red dress."