HIV Positive Story – Living With HIV

1. HIV Positive Story – Living With HIV When I was diagnosed HIV positive in March 2013, I quickly learned about the few services available for HIV positive women. The Good Woman in Planned Parenthood had very little information about me, but it gave me a brief list of San Diego organizations that offer services to HIV-positive people. There was only one place on that list that cared for women, that place was Christy Place. I will never forget that day while I am alive. It was Saturday and unfortunately all the organizations were closed on the weekend. I called every phone number on this list and left a message on every voice message I asked to receive a call. I was very, very scared. You see, I made the terrible mistake of searching for HIV on Google, and the first thing that came up was a picture. He was lying on a hospital bed and his body was nothing more than a skeleton. He was taking his last breath and I have never been so scared in my life.

2. The first one to call Monday morning. The organizations finally answered my calls. One by one I was told that they only cared about the LGBT community and that they could do nothing for me. I think the third call was from Christ Place. It was the sweet voice of a woman named Jay who told me she would help me. She will help me understand everything and everything will be fine. She explained to me that she was a Peer Navigator and even though at the time she had no idea what that title meant, I made an appointment very quickly to get to know her, I had so many questions. The same day I went to meet Jay. I was an emotional disaster. I remember coming to the address he gave me and I thought it looked like a house. It was strangely comforting, I guess I was expecting a much more clinical building or place. Anyway, I went in and told the lady at the front desk that I was there to meet Jay, and then I sat down in the lobby. In fact, it looked more like a living room with sofas and rugs, and there were even pictures of people with their families on the wall. Jay turned the corner and introduced himself, then asked if he could hug me. I’m not normally a hug to a stranger type of person, but it was the best hug I’ve ever had. Remember when I thought this woman knew I had HIV and still wanted to hug me? I needed that hug more than I ever needed that hug. I think somehow that hug could have saved my life. That day I met Jay and Heather (both Peer Navigators) and they told me together what it means to have HIV and that we will live! After all, I wouldn't die! They both told me that they were HIV positive and that they were doing well. I was told that I should just take medication and that I too could live a healthy and full life. I remember looking at them and thinking that they both look as "normal" nothing as the man in the picture. Jay kept helping me understand the health side of things. He even helped me find a doctor, schedule my first exam and went to my first exam! From that moment on, they were both there for me. Whenever I had a question or needed a hug, I could call Jay or Heather and they just ... would be there. Then I finally realized what a Peer Navigator really is and how amazing and instrumental they are for a newly diagnosed person with HIV.

3. . I went there for help with my health insurance and ADAP enrollment. I went to therapy for a while and when I was ready I started attending the support group on Tuesday night. I was so scared and nervous about going to that support group alone, I asked Jay to come with me and she came! She was sitting next to me and I was very relieved and grateful to have her there. I still go to the support group on Tuesday nights. It was a place where I felt safe and I felt like I belonged there. When you are diagnosed, it is very difficult to feel that you belong somewhere, it is also very important to feel that you belong somewhere. It wasn’t long after my HIV diagnosis that I knew I wanted to do something to help people with HIV. I didn’t know how to do it, but I knew I would do anything, anything I could to help. I started my website, wearehiv.org and it fulfilled part of my wish. I even helped some people take care of themselves and helped others find places to get tested for HIV. I remember the first time I helped a woman across the country connect with an organization like Christie's. When that woman emailed me informing me that I was at the doctor and taking her medication, I felt a sensation that I didn’t even know I could feel. Knowing that YOU helped someone save your life is monumental. I still wanted to do more ... Four months ago, Heather sent me an email telling me that a Peer Navigator position was available at Christie's. I knew that I would love that job at that moment and that I would do everything in my power to get it done! Working for a non-profit organization doesn't pay much money, but it's very rewarding! I often say that helping people is better than any salary you can get. After a long interview process, I got the job! He was over the moon excited. I could finally comfort other people probably at the worst time of their lives and couldn’t be happier. Plus, I could hug people who really needed hugs, and to me that was amazing! I’ve been here in Christie Place for three months now and I like it every second. I met amazing and inspiring women without whom I could not now

4. imagine my life. I learned a lot about HIV and people living with HIV. I was deeply moved in a way I never expected. The passion of my soul was finally fulfilled.