Dedication to an Amazing Woman

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Photo courtesy of Maria Mejia

This is a long and overdue blog, dedicated to an amazing woman and human being that I consider a sister and beloved friend. ❤️

For a long time I have been meaning to write this blog for you, Krista Martel, the amazing Executive Director of the amazing women and girls organization that we know as The Well Project. The place where I started blogging many years ago, maybe 2009 or 2010, I really cannot recall. I want to highlight why The Well Project, and especially Krista Martel, mean so much to me and the community of women. They have a profound and deep passion for the cause of HIV/AIDS. This is the true definition of MIPHA, which means (for those that do not know) the meaningful involvement of people with HIV/AIDS.

Being able to spread my message of hope, education, prevention, and most importantly stomping on stigma, which is the biggest killer as I always say was inspired by the amazing actions of the New York Silence=Death Project. The stigma that we still continue to deal with after so many years of this human condition of HIV continues, ignorance continues, and as we all know, fear is fueled by ignorance or lack of knowledge. Especially in these times that are so uncertain. And it brings us so much anxiety because we have fought so hard to stay alive! But we have to be optimistic and know that nothing lasts forever, good or bad, and we will overcome as the warriors and fighters that we are!

We are here to heal through each other's lives and stories and, to be honest, we're all so powerful individually and together...

I know many have so many fears. I know because I'm living it. So many things we have fought so hard to get, especially our medication that keeps us alive. You see, I know, as many of you know, my story - that I was without treatment for 10 years and I almost died! ADAP (The AIDS Drug Assistance Program) saved my life when I had no insurance and I'm eternally grateful to have been given more years to live. This is the first time that I didn't write a blog about being now a long-term survivor of 37 years and this huge milestone of reaching the age of 52, something I would've never imagined that I would see or be alive to live. It's really hard right now for many of us seeing so much injustice, seeing so much suffering, seeing so many people with a lack of empathy and compassion. But trust and believe that we still have good human beings out here that care for not only themselves but also for the struggles of others and as a true activist and advocate for HIV and human rights, I will fight to the end of me until God (in my belief) decides that my mission is complete. 

I am alive because of those services and now I have Medicaid, which is also up in the air. All that we can wish for is that the Senate that is composed mostly of Republicans, and they are Christians as they say, do the right thing and reflect on What would Christ do? What type of legacy do you want to leave?! I have many Republican friends that are pretty moderate and are very good people but again, if you claim to be a Christian, you need to follow Christ's teachings. And understand and I'm saying this from the bottom of my heart, that he wouldn't just let people die - like that lady that said that we're all gonna die so basically who cares if people lose Medicaid and Medicare... I don't really want to talk more about the situation because I am optimistic and the last thing that I will lose is hope. You see, hope is all we have and our firm belief in a better tomorrow.

We have to give people their flowers while they're alive, and be grateful and appreciative.

Krista, I love you deeply. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to spread this message to the masses. I also want to acknowledge our founder Dawn Averitt and her brother Richard Averitt. Thank you for giving us this platform, this sisterhood, and so many opportunities to not only survive but thrive and to help empower other women to succeed, and to understand that there is no shame in having this human condition.🙏

So ADAP saved my life and The Well Project gave me purpose under the guidance, love, and care of Krista. We receive and have gotten so many opportunities – from being a blogger and becoming a CAB member and a very proud Global Ambassador, which did something extremely important for my well-being, my mental health, and my survival! And that is work. You see, that is the truth of what an organization has done for me and for many that are practicing the principles of honestly helping other women and girls around the world!

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Photo courtesy of Maria Mejia

The Well Project has changed in many ways! You're a rockstar Krista and I don't know if you've heard it enough, but we are all grateful to you for your passion, your empathy, your willingness to serve and to help at any time of the day or night when one of us is going through a struggle, for the endless opportunities we have received through The Well Project, and for making this organization the example, in my opinion, and model for other organizations that are national or international to follow! There's no greed in this organization and trust me, I know them all. No "AIDS Inc" around here. We are not just another number or a token as we call it, we are human beings. We are a family and we welcome all of you, women and girls all over the world that are living with the human condition of HIV/AIDS, to join us in this amazing sisterhood as I've always called it from the beginning. With no egos or greed!

We are here to heal through each other's lives and stories and, to be honest, we're all so powerful individually and together; we are beasts under the umbrella of Krista, who cares for us and loves us! Krista, your sister in heaven is very proud of you!! Thank you so much for supporting us and helping us become self-sufficient so we don't ever have to depend on anyone that could potentially abuse us because they feel they have power over us! I pray that this organization continues for endless years even after the cure comes. We all have left our legacy here, the ones that already left us and the ones that will follow!

One of the very deep and great memories I have is the ongoing campaign with Greater than AIDS' Empowered: Women, HIV and Intimate Partner Violence. I believe most of us are of The Well Project, and we all know what we went through. Who is there to always care for us and give us encouragement? Our dear Krista!

Statistics are horrific!

• IPV and HIV: Studies consistently show that women living with HIV are at a higher risk of experiencing IPV, with some research suggesting rates as high as 55%. This violence can take various forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
• Trauma and HIV: The intersection of trauma, particularly PTSD, and HIV is significant. Trauma, such as IPV, can have a detrimental impact on HIV treatment adherence and overall health outcomes, including viral suppression.
• Impact on HIV Outcomes: Studies have shown that trauma and violence are associated with poorer treatment outcomes, including lower adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and higher rates of viral failure.
• Underlying Factors: Several factors contribute to the increased risk of IPV and trauma among women living with HIV, including social stigma, economic dependence, and power imbalances in relationships.
• Need for Intervention: Recognizing the link between HIV, trauma, and IPV is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems that address the unique needs of women living with HIV. These interventions should focus on addressing trauma, promoting safety, and ensuring access to quality HIV care.

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Yes, I haven't written a blog in a while and I get a spark all the time. But there's a time for everything, and today is that day! I have a lot to say, as you all know. My blogs are long but they're written from my soul. They just come out. We have to give people their flowers while they're alive, and be grateful and appreciative. Because in my belief, as I say before I leave you, all that God gives, he can also take.

Much love, and light to all 🙏
Maria Mejia

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Photo courtesy of Maria Mejia