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Intro – CupCake

Submitted on Jul 25, 2025 by  Cupcake80

I'm CupCake, a 45-year-old woman born on Guam and now living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in July 2018, following a long health battle that ended with me on life support. That experience cracked my world wide open—but it also woke me up to the power of survival, softness, and speaking my truth. For years, stigma told me to stay small. But I've learned that my story matters, and that healing doesn't just happen in silence—it blooms when we dare to be seen.

I want to offer what I spent so long looking for: honesty, humor, softness, strength, and community.

Today, I'm a full-time grandparent, a poet, a storyteller, and a woman reclaiming every piece of herself. I write to educate, uplift, and connect. I live for messy art projects, deep belly laughs, the magic of the outdoors, and the unconditional love of my pets—who honestly think they run the house. And maybe they do.

Why CupCake wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: For a long time, I believed my story wasn't worth sharing.

After being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2018—following a health crisis that left me on life support—I wasn't just fighting to survive physically. I was battling a deep sense of shame. Stigma took root in me before I could even begin to process what had happened. I didn't just feel different; I felt invisible.

I found The Well Project and A Girl Like Me not long after that. I read other women's stories—raw, brave, beautiful—and I felt seen in a way I hadn't before. But when it came time to share my own voice, I hesitated. I convinced myself I wasn't strong enough, smart enough, or "together" enough to belong here.

The truth is, I didn't need to be perfect. I just needed to be real.

I've learned that my story matters, and that healing doesn't just happen in silence—it blooms when we dare to be seen.

I want to be part of A Girl Like Me because I know how isolating this journey can feel—especially when you don't see yourself in the conversation. I want to help change that. I want to offer what I spent so long looking for: honesty, humor, softness, strength, and community.

I'm a 45-year-old grandparent, poet, survivor, and creative. I live with HIV, PCOS, and chronic illness. I love my pets like they're my children. I craft, paint, cry, laugh way too loud, and believe in starting over as many times as it takes. And I believe every part of me—every part of us—is worth showing up for.

Being part of A Girl Like Me isn't just about telling my story. It's about showing someone else what's possible when we finally decide to stop hiding.

We are never too broken, too late, or too far gone. We are exactly what someone else needs to see.

 

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Blogger CupCake and logo for A Girl Like Me.

Submitted by Aunty Lou's House
2

Your journey from invisibility to radical self-acceptance is both powerful and deeply inspiring. Thank you for daring to be seen and reminding us that healing becomes real when we choose connection over silence.

Submitted by Cupcake80
1

Thank you for such a thoughtful and insightful comment! You've perfectly articulated the essence of what I hoped to convey: that daring to be seen and choosing connection are vital steps in the healing process. I'm so glad my journey could offer some inspiration.

Submitted by Marig2016
2

So excited to have you here and beyond proud of you for stepping up, recognizing your value and allowing others to see you!!! 

Xoxo my girl 💖

Submitted by JustineDD
2

Your resiliency has brought you a long way. I am happy you are no longer living in silence. Sharing your story can bring you freedom. Welcome to our sisterhood.

Submitted by Cupcake80
2

Thank you so much! I've been in the background, reading all of your stories, finding inspiration and building up my strength for quite some time now. I'm ecstatic to finally be here!

Thank you for welcoming me with open arms 🤗 

Xo 🧁 

Submitted by Ci Ci
2

It is so wonderful to have you here! Yes, your story and your voice are so important and valued! Thank you for being here and for becoming part of this amazing community! I cannot wait to read more from you!! 

Submitted by Cupcake80
1

Your words mean so much to me. It took a long time for me to feel I held any value. 

Thank you for welcoming me. I'm blessed to be here!

 

XOXO 🧁 

Submitted by boseolotu
2

Welcome, CupCake! 🌸

Your story is powerful, and your voice is such a beautiful addition to A Girl Like Me. The strength, softness, and truth you bring are exactly what so many of us need. The Well Project has impacted me deeply too—just like you, I found courage and community in the voices of women who dared to be seen.

Thank you for stepping into this space with such honesty and heart. You remind us that healing does bloom when we speak our truth, and that we are never alone in this journey. So glad you’re here. 💜

Submitted by Cupcake80
1

Thank you so much for this beautiful welcome 💜

Your words truly touched me. Finding this space—and connecting with incredible women like you—feels like both a homecoming and a new beginning. I’ve carried so much in silence for so long, and now that I’ve stepped into the light, I’m realizing just how powerful community and shared truth can be.

The Well Project gave me that first flicker of hope that I wasn’t alone… and now here we are, blooming together 🌸

I’m so honored to walk this path with you.

With love and gratitude,

XoXo CupCake 🧁 

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