Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this piece are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the position of Positive Women’s Network – USA.

June 4, 2019

by Alecia Tramel, PWN-FL

Nineteen years ago  I was diagnosed with HIV.  I’m thankful for my predecessors that endured the pain, hate, isolation, fear, shots, AZT, an  afraid community, rejection from family and friends, mental turmoil, isolation on  floors in hospitals, nurses afraid to come in your room, doctors giving up on your life, feelings of shame, unable to eat because of soars in your mouth, and no will to live. I’m thankful that because you came before me and paved the way,  I have a status of Long Term Survivor. I hope that my strength is pleasing in your eyes. I hope that my advocacy is pleasing in your eyes. I hope that my fight to end the Stigma is pleasing in your eyes.I hope that my fight to change the quality of life of PLWHA’s is pleasing in your eyes.  I hope that you are smiling down on me . I Thank You , I Thank You, I Thank you.