I looked for love in all the wrong places and didnt realize that I got infected with HIV.
I was infected in 1986 andlater diagnosedin 1989.
My husband and I were given two years to live.
Photo courtesy of Lillian Anglada / Designed by Julie Bang / Verywell
He passed away exactly two years later, and Im still here.
I quit my job of 10 years because I didnt want the company to know what I had.
It was worth it.
Agencies started doing more HIV outreach.
These events made people more comfortable seeking help.
Lillian Anglada
Agencies started doing more HIV outreach…these events made people more comfortable seeking help.
I graduated from the program in 1993.
Out of the 12 people who did the program, Im the only survivor.
I ransupport groups, took women to clinics, and helped them cope with their new diagnoses.
We did a lot of Reiki, massages, acupuncture, and other things to help regulate stress.
So my time with these women really helped me.
I would say a woman is loving and caring, sometimes cries a lot, and needs nurturing.
A lot of these women never had that kind of nurturing.
Their parents didnt tell them they loved them, and they rarely got physical affection.
When I came to the agency, all I got were hugs and kisses.
It was a little odd at first.
My mom didnt do that, and my dad wasnt there.
But to hear someone tell you they love you is truly amazing.
A lot of these women came to my meetings very resistant.
But apart from the relaxation, it was fun.
We taught sex education and how to love yourself and pleasure your body.
People came miserable and left happy.
Everything was free, and I got all of the food and entertainment donated.
I became President of the Consumer Advisory Council for Alliance in 2003.
Live Every Day for You
HIV is not a death sentence.
it’s possible for you to live with HIV with the proper medication.
Take care of yourself and set goals.
