 |
Find a Ryan White Program |
|
Stories from Memphians Living With HIV
Below you will find the stories of actual Memphis-area residents living with HIV. Their stories vary, but their message is shared: if you have HIV/AIDS, seek medical care and continue your treatment. If you do, you can live a long, healthy and productive life. To share your story, or the story of someone you know living with HIV or AIDS, and how the Ryan White Program has helped, please complete a testimonial form here. Our spokespeople were honored at Westwood High School's 2010 World AIDS Day event. Alfred, Craig, Felecia, Fred and Nicole were on-hand to accept the school's Light of Hope Award. The award is given to an individual, organization and business that has strongly supported HIV/AIDS prevention, education and treatment in the Memphis area. View photos from the event here. Born with HIV, Sharmain never knew what life without the virus would be like. She has been a patient of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since her first birthday. Thankfully, the Memphis Ryan White Program has been there along the way to help. Through the program’s assistance, she has insurance and is able to cover the cost of her medication. Though Sharmain never tried to hide her HIV, she quickly realized that others were not so accepting, and she learned what it meant to live with a stigma. Despite the negative associations tied to HIV, Sharmain feels compelled to share her story. She now speaks at Memphis schools, where she stresses the importance of educating oneself about HIV, practicing prevention, and if diagnosed with HIV, receiving proper treatment. Thanks to regular treatment throughout her life, Sharmain’s HIV/AIDS status is currently nondetected, and she has been able to be off her medication for almost a year. “HIV/AIDS is real. But it’s not the end of the world.”
--Sharmain, student and HIV advocate
Living with HIV since birth
Alfred was diagnosed with HIV after being tested while in the hospital. Despite immediately seeking treatment, he lost his job and proceeded with legal action against his former employer. Alfred was introduced to the Ryan White Program through a reporter covering his story. Since then, he has received prescription assistance, access to doctors and dental care.
“I believe it only takes one person to make a change. If I can reach one person, I believe I helped save a life. When I found out I had HIV, I told my family and friends. I am pleased to say they are 100 percent supportive. I want to make a change that HIV-positive people are survivors.”
--Alfred, digital magazine publisher
Living with HIV for two years
Listen to Alfred's public service announcement here.
After noticing a change in his normal behavior, friends and family urged Craig to see a doctor, which resulted in his being diagnosed with HIV. Craig sought treatment because his family stressed the importance of it. Through the Ryan White Program, Craig received dental assistance and housing, and he and his family better understand what it means to live with HIV.
“I want to be an advocate for others. A mentor, a teacher and a friend for anyone who cares to know more about this disease. Get tested. Get treated. Get educated. Get involved.”
--Craig, model and vocalist
Living with HIV for seven years
Listen to Craig's public service announcement here.
After being sexually assaulted, Nicole was diagnosed with HIV. Initially in denial, she did not seek treatment for six months. Nicole was introduced to the Ryan White Program through an HIV-positive friend and, because of the program, was able to cope with her diagnosis while receiving HIV prescription help. In addition to financial assistance, the Ryan White Program covers her regular doctor and counselor visits.
“Immediately seek treatment - spiritually and physically.”
Nicole, business owner
Living with HIV for 13 years
Listen to Nicole's public service announcement here.
Keith knew he was sick, but he had no idea how sick he really was, or what was causing it. After experiencing prolonged symptoms, he took an HIV test and it came back positive. Without insurance and unable to afford his prescriptions, Keith grew sicker. Luckily, he discovered the Shelby County Ryan White Program, and with its help he now receives prescription assistance, free doctor visits, dental and eye care services, and meal plans. Since receiving assisted care, Keith has been able to keep his HIV under control.
“Not being sick is my motivation for taking medications. I didn’t follow instructions early in my diagnosis and got even sicker because of it, so I’m avoiding that now.”
--Keith, HIV advocate
Living with HIV for 13 Years
Felecia was diagnosed with HIV after having a seizure at home; but because of misunderstandings and her limited knowledge of the disease, she did not seek treatment immediately. Once involved in the Ryan White Program, Felecia received meal assistance, access to group support, and informational classes on proper HIV medications and their side effects. Felecia advocates for those living with HIV and works with her son, who is not HIV-positive, to advocate for children living with HIV-positive relatives.
“I learned to be open with myself and my doctor. I must eat healthy and exercise. Now I am 33 years old. I have a 16-year-old honor student. I enjoy life with a smile. This is my body. If I don’t care, who will?”
--Felecia, mother
Living with HIV for 20 years
Listen to Felecia's public service announcement here.
Frederick discovered he was HIV-infected while married and expecting his second child. He educated himself immediately, although he did not want to accept his diagnosis. Once Frederick started treatment, he told his family about his status, and helped educate them to understand what he was going through. The Ryan White Program provides Frederick valuable assistance with medication, dental care and transportation. Today, Frederick travels throughout the Tri-Cities region encouraging teenagers to get tested and those living with HIV to get treatment.
“If the Ryan White Program didn’t exist, I would have been dead long ago. Ryan White is the best program for us who don’t have insurance. With Ryan White, we who are living with this disease can live a happy, and normal life.”
--Frederick, HIV educator
Living with HIV for 19 years
Listen to Frederick's public service announcement here.
Patrice’s first HIV test during her pregnancy came back negative. Though she was relieved, something didn’t feel right. Sure enough, when her son was born a few months later, the doctor confirmed her fear: she was HIV-positive. Patrice became so depressed that she couldn’t even bring herself to go to work. She shut down and became homeless. After two years of struggling with her diagnosis, Patrice heard about the Memphis TGA Ryan White Program. Through the Ryan White Program, she received counseling, medical support and assistance from the food pantry at Friends For Life. For the first time, she felt she could manage her illness. Now, 19 years later, she’s a mother of five HIV-free children, and she actively shares her story as an encouragement to other young women and others diagnosed with HIV. “If I had waited any longer to seek treatment, I wouldn’t be 42 and alive today. I didn’t know I could live with this diagnosis. I have HIV. It doesn’t have me. If you are diagnosed with HIV, my advice is to look for resources like Ryan White to give you counseling. Find somebody that knows about HIV and take your meds.” – Patrice, HIV advocate Living with HIV for 19 years While in the hospital after experiencing medical complications, Elizabeth found out she was HIV-positive. Elizabeth credits her four children as the reason she sought treatment. Since her diagnosis, she has become active in the community and spread the word among Memphis youth about HIV/AIDS. Elizabeth accessed emotional support and HIV prescription assistance through the Ryan White Program.
“It [HIV] is out there, but there is medication and you can live with HIV. Just take care of yourself. Don’t make the mistake of not knowing; find out your status now.”
--Elizabeth, mother
Living with HIV for two years
Joe was diagnosed with HIV three months after an initial test came back negative. He immediately sought treatment and received information from the local health department about the Ryan White Program. He has accessed transportation and meal preparation assistance, in addition to help with HIV prescriptions.
“I am still alive due to the assistance I have received through the years from Ryan White [Program] funds. I am able to eat a more balanced meal due to the assistance that I receive from [those] funds. I receive support through a medical case manager, and assistance with my private insurance costs, through Ryan White [Program] funds.”
--Joe, HIV advocate
Living with HIV for 14 years
Monica discovered she was HIV-positive through a health care screening she took while applying for life insurance. Initially shocked, and doubting the results, she sought confirmation and then immediately began seeking treatment. After Monica moved to the Memphis area, her aunt told her about the Ryan White Program, and the benefits she could receive to help her quality of life. Through the Ryan White Program, Monica has received dental care, eye care, mental health care and many other services related to her HIV care plan. “HIV is only a part of who I am. I see myself as an awesome prayer warrior, good cook, exceptional mom, gracious sister, intelligent, and above all compassionate.”
--Monica, peer mentor
Living with HIV for nine years
|
|
Keith, 40
Patrice, 42This project is funded as a result of grant awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and Shelby County Government.