Intro - Melissa Baker

Lissaj's picture

I am a daughter, niece, sister, cousin and mom. I will be 36 years old this birthday. Three days before I will celebrate my 8 year poziversary.

My diagnosis was a surprise, since I had tested negative for HIV only the year before while in what I thought to be a monogamous relationship. I hold myself accountable for making the decision to stop using condoms. After returning from an international vacation he was hospitalized. I now know he had known his diagnosis. He was in denial, thus he chose not to disclose and had also made the decision to not be on treatment. Once diagnosed I never had the denial that he did. The relationship became toxic and had to end.

I quickly realized that life does not stop with HIV. I educated myself, my three pre-teen daughters (at the time) and the rest of my family and friends about HIV. Moments are always teachable moments.

Thanks to early diagnosis, I am healthy today. I had a baby girl 4.5 years ago -- my fourth daughter -- who is HIV negative. I am still an oncology receptionist. I have chosen to speak out about my HIV status in order to dispel stigma and encourage other women to protect themselves and get tested for HIV. I have volunteered on a committee with my state health department and enjoy working with incarcerated women on a volunteer project to help empower and educate, as well as help lead Transformation retreats for men and women living with HIV.

Why Melissa wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: I think it is important for me to blog for A Girl Like Me, because I like what The Well Project is doing and I think it is imperative for women all over to be HIV empowered!

Tags: 

like0

Comments

Welcome!

katie06's picture

Welcome! Hugs to you!

PS: I love the term "poziversary"!

like1

Welcome, Melissa!! So happy

kmartel's picture

Welcome, Melissa!! So happy to have you join the AGLM family!! heart

like1

Newly diagnosed

Dream90's picture

Thanks, this gives me hope. 

like1

Blog themes: 

admin's picture

Members of The Well Project community at USCHA 2022.

Become a Member

Join our community and become a member to find support and connect to other women living with HIV.

Join now >

Do you get our newsletter?

admin's picture
¿Recibe nuestro boletín?

Sign up for our monthly Newsletter and get the latest info in your inbox.

Suscríbase a nuestro boletín mensual y reciba la información más reciente en su bandeja de entrada.

none_existing name

banner

Browse Blogs by Theme