Diagnosed HIV+ in 1997. I am now in my 60's and I look forward to the second half of my life. I am Undetectable and after more than a decade in the low 400's, my CD4 count is in the 700's.
I am an artist and work part-time in the wedding and special events industry performing my art for guests at such events. I am also a grandmother of 3 beautiful people. I have 4 fully grown (adult) children and raised all of them single-handedly. Two of my adult children live with me and support me in life.
For more than a decade, I advocated for women living with HIV in my local community and lobbied in Washington DC for federal funding to provide access to healthcare and necessary comprehensive services for people living with HIV. I served on the Planning Council and volunteered on the Positively Speaking speakers panel sharing my story to reduce stigma and promote prevention education.
I have met many fantastic and amazingly strong PLWH on my journey in the fight against stigma, and the spread of HIV. Now, I am enjoying my life in SoCal, spending time with my grandchildren, and sharing my art. Hopefully, I will get through the COVID-19 pandemic unscathed. Peace, Love, and Light