HIV diagnosis

My life has not been in vain. My pain became a path. My voice became a shelter. My existence has allowed others to exist with less fear.

Mi vida no ha sido en vano. Mi dolor se transformó en camino. Mi voz se convirtió en refugio. Mi resistencia creó un legado que sigue salvando vidas hoy.

Through the hospital visits, the medication changes, the frustrations, the prayers, the tears — I am still here. I am smiling as I write this blog post.

I do not associate with victimhood. Yet, in these moments, the victimization of a careless Congress and presidential administration may leave me vulnerable with an inability to pay for medical care and manage my disease.

Help and healing are possible. It starts with one act of surrender and one conversation with someone you trust.

To parents: learn to understand your child at an early age and support their dreams, not your expectations.

Hi all!! My name is Marie. I'm 49 years old and I was recently diagnosed with HIV... I look forward to supporting women everywhere!

When I look back over my life, it has been filled with many roadblocks, bad choices, deaths, and adversities--yet, somehow, someway, I have always found the strength to carry on.

I would go to my clinic hiding my face and the day before visiting the clinic I didn't sleep. I kept on thinking how will I do tomorrow?? Who will I meet there?

This is not just a story about illness— it's about intuition. The terrifying silence of being dismissed. And the sacred roar of deciding to save yourself.