finding balance

I was born into a large family consisting of my parents and five brothers. A hardworking, close-knit family where we were taught very young the importance of RESPECT, SOCIAL JUSTICE, EQUALITY, the importance of SHARING, TOLERANCE and LOVE.

In this blog I would like to begin to explore the issue of side effects from Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART). Admitting that they even exist can be difficult when we are told repeatedly that...

Being an advocate, I'm subjected to some not so favorable experiences. Cure fanatics who believe me to be ignorant for not at least trying herbalist options. People who assume I, and every other HIV...

It has been a while since I wrote anything, but I have been reading a lot of the blogs. I had my health in check or so I thought. I ate well, rested, took vitamins and took care of myself when I was...

I am Sandra, 61.5 years old, HIV Elite Controller, diagnosed December 1989. Widow, Mother and Grandmother. Active Extended visitor, participating in Clinical Research trials at the National Institute...

As 2015 draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on this year and dream about the upcoming year, 2016. One of my biggest accomplishments in 2015 was a new job. My previous job was well aware of my...

Have you ever just wanted to take a break? Being an advocate, our work can become very overwhelming and lonely and our brains are in overdrive. This year I decided to take a break because I was...

I had given up on being an advocate. I didn't want to travel. I didn't want to speak my truth to strangers. I didn't want to be involved with World AIDS Day 2015 or The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. I wanted a normal life with balance.

My first HIV related protest was in Tampa, Florida in the early 1990's. A group of us living with HIV marched down Bayshore Blvd. towards Tampa General Hospital carrying coffins, urns, and the...

A few months ago I tripped on the stairs in my house and hurt my ankle really bad. I am very clumsy and fall a lot. It doesn't help that I have arthritis and falls hurt me more than other teenagers...