domestic violence, abuse

My name is Maria Mejia and this is my story with HIV! I kept my HIV diagnosis a secret from almost everyone for nearly 20 years. Diagnosed at 18 in 1991 and contracted HIV at the age of 15 in 1988, I...

It's been said to me this past weekend, "You got your karma when you got HIV, and now you have to live with the consequences by taking a pill each day to make sure your son has at least one of his parents."

One of the most aggravating things to hear is, "But you only have to take one pill each day. I don't see what the big deal is."

As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I would like to share with you my daughter's story. This was a very difficult time for our family, and I know it is not an easy story to share, but my daughter really loves to write; she's found healing in it as many of us do.

As we enter a new decade, I have a million thoughts swirling around in my head. I am a survivor, a warrior, and a champion. I've been down many times, but I always manage to rise stronger than before...

When I was born April of 1985, there was no test, no way of treating it and very little information about what it was. All they knew was that HIV was a murderer.

Fighting the darkness within is a daily challenge, but to stop fighting is death.

I was 26 years old. My children were 1 and 6 years old. I had recently ended a mentally and physically abusive relationship.

This blog is in commemoration of the recent celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child.

A mother and daughter should be close. The relationship should be a loving and nurturing one. A mother should be equated with the words safety and trust. These were not my experiences, but despite...