Natalia, 29
What I Want You to Know:
I witnessed my mother suffer from major complications from HIV/AIDS since 2002.
How HIV/AIDS has affected my life:
HIV/AIDS has affected and impacted my life tremendously. My mother, Irene, was infected with HIV in 1999. She lost her life to this deadly disease two years ago on January 13, 2006. Due to her illness, she isolated herself from her family and friends, including my brother and me. I believe it wasn't the illness that took her away from us; it was the stigma and discrimination that made her stop fighting.
How I contribute to the fight against HIV:
Since losing my mother, I have redirected and committed my life to educating others of this epidemic. In 2006, I co-founded the Carolina Empowerment Group, Inc. (CEG), a nonprofit community outreach organization, that conducts HIV awareness activities throughout the Charleston area.
Why I get tested:
I received my first HIV test after I left my past relationship, due to my boyfriend being very unfaithful...repeatedly! And, I decided to leave that relationship when I found out my mother was HIV positive. Having that "reality check" was a major determining factor for me in changing my life for the better.
