living pozitive


by wilfredo b. carrasco


PRIDE A SENSE OF When asked what we are most proud of, we think about WITH PRIDE SEASON


AMONG US, I AM NOT ONLY PROUD TO BE


PART OF AN AMAZING FAMILY THAT LOVES AND SUPPORTS ME,


BUT I AM ALSO PROUD TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION TO


THE HIV EPIDEMIC.


I STAND PROUD TO SAY THAT I HAVE LIVED A POSITIVE


LIFE FOR TEN YEARS SINCE MY


DIAGNOSIS.”


our life’s greatest accomplishments: career, education or relationships. What I am most proud of is my ability to share my HIV story with others and being able to do so, gives me a sense of confidence and pride. Just a decade ago, I received a positive diagnosis for HIV and


at that moment it meant a death sentence. An inevitable and painful end, along with the stigma and fear of discrimination. When I was first diagnosed, treatment regiments to suppress


viral loads were experimental. I had a combination of five differ- ent medications that wreaked havoc on my body and my doctor told me to never skip a dosage. However, I constantly found myself being side-tracked and forgetting to take my medica- tions. I didn’t know this at the time, but these experimental drugs would ultimately save my life. In 2014, I was introduced to three antiretroviral medicines in


one tablet, which meant I no longer had to take a concoction of pills and placebos. My body reacted well to this new regimen and today I am undetectable, untransmittable and healthy. I have truly been blessed by God for giving me the courage and strength to overcome the worst of this disease. The experience has ignited a new passion in my life—the feeling of wanting to be a part of something bigger—to be an advocate for not only myself, but others struggling with the HIV/AIDS virus. I became a client of Radiant Health Centers, formerly known


as AIDS Services Foundation Orange County in 2016. The entire staff treated me with dignity, respect, and compassion. They gave me the love and support I desperately needed to jump start my life again. Radiant Health Centers became my family; one whom I love, respect and admire. Because of this, I am committed to using my experience as a voice to help end the HIV epidemic


and to work towards a world free of HIV infections. I joined Radiant Health Centers’ CAC, Client Advisory


Committee in 2017, which is a demographically diverse group of informed clients who advocate and provide direct input, feedback and suggestions regarding the prioritization of client programs and services. These services are for people living with HIV/AIDS, and include case management, financial assistance, food pantry and nutritional programs, as well as housing and transportation assistance. Through public speaking at health classes in Orange County, I


educate high school students on HIV education and prevention. I also share my story through different community speaking engagements and media outlets. By sharing my story, I believe that others will see that even through the low times, they too can have hope. Recently, I had the honor to be a part of AIDS Walk Orange


County’s opening ceremony. It was a great feeling to be up on stage and represent the thousands of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County. As we gathered to remember and honor our brothers and sisters who have lost their fight to HIV/ AIDS, I took the opportunity to give a shout out to my good friend, Gabriel Herrera. Gabriel lost his fight in 1993, but I know that he was looking down on me that day, and was proud of my endeavors. With Pride season among us, I am not only proud to be part


of an amazing family that loves and supports me, but I’m also proud to be part of the solution to the HIV epidemic. I stand proud to say that I have lived a positive life for ten years since my diagnosis. With the help of God and a fierce determination for life, I am moving forward with a new positive outlook and a brighter future ahead of me.


46


RAGE monthly | JUNE 2018


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