Words of Inspiration

Talk about it - Test for HIV

Words of Inspiration from: Linda Russell - Richmond, CA

"It has been 20+ years since the first case of HIV/AIDS and it is naïve to think that it is not happening here in our community. Many of the women who are infected looks like me - African-American heterosexual female. I meet so many women who already feel isolated under their circumstances rather than in control of their lives. HIV can feel like yet another source of oppression. Women do not have to be alone. There is no shame in getting an HIV test and finding more about what you can do to stay healthy."

Words of Inspiration from: Junie Tate - North Richmond, CA

"I have relatives and close friends that have died of HIV/AIDS - people think it is a curse and feel that they cannot do anything about it. There is a lot of silence about HIV/AIDS that continues to cast a shadow over us and keep us in the dark. The truth is that anyone can get HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Some people, especially women in our community, are more affected by this because they continue to choose to deny that they are at risk. Each of us can do something to break the silence - talk about it and get tested for HIV."

Words of Inspiration from: Desiree Jackson - Richmond, CA

"Most of my community has fears of the unknown, especially of HIV/AIDS. They do not talk about HIV/AIDS directly - and calls it cancer or something else. They are in denial. Denial prevents them from getting tested for HIV and learning more about what they need to do. It's hard knowing - It's even harder not knowing. Get into the know and get tested for HIV today."

Words of Inspiration from: Texanita Bluitt - Richmond, CA

"The statistics continues to show a growing number of people in West Contra Costa being infected with the HIV virus. Complacency exists in our community. We all feel the impact of this disease, whether directly or indirectly, and it is important to raise awareness about this. I urge everyone to know more about HIV/AIDS and its impact on our families and communities. Please get tested for HIV and be compassionate to those who are living with HIV and AIDS."

Words of Inspiration from: Ken Jeffrees - Concord, CA

"As a person living with HIV I find that its imperative when I wake up in the morning to thank God for giving me the strength to be positive about being HIV positive. I also believe that in my heart something has driven me to talk openly about my illness because I have no room for stigma and prejudice in my life. It takes so much more energy to be negative than positive and I am truly blessed. I can't do it alone and my community has supported me. It's quite obvious that AIDS and HIV are not going anywhere anytime soon. Until we stop the ignorance about HIV/AIDS, talk about it and get tested, we will continue to live with HIV/AIDS in our communities."

Words of Inspiration from: Corrine Stuart - Richmond, CA

"I personally feel safe around HIV/AIDS, but many of my family and friends don't. I feel it is my duty to share my experiences through education and information to lessen others' fears so that women get tested. Within my community the virus continues to grow and affecting more and more people in the community. The most important thing you can do is get tested and share the knowledge."

Words of Inspiration from: Sky Feather - Richmond, CA

"Living with this disease is very difficult, and with treatment, you don't have to die from it. It is not a death sentence. I urge women to find out early about their HIV status and get support around staying safe.What I would like to leave you is the following verse that expresses my hope for healing, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: They will run and not grow wary, they will walk but not be faint. Isaiah 40:31."

Words of Inspiration from: Maxine Little - Martinez, CA

"I work with people everyday with HIV/AIDS, educating them on how to protect themselves and ways to prevent spreading the disease. I think it impacts me in a big way. I look at a lot of these women and men and think, "This could have happened to me", or "This could be my brother or sister"; but worst of all, "one of my children." Sometimes, I feel helpless when working with them, but I do believe what I bring is hope to a lot of these people. The fact is that no one is invincible. Anyone can get HIV. If you don't protect yourself, make sure you and your partner are tested for HIV."

Words of Inspiration from: Anonymous - Richmond, CA

"I was diagnosed with AIDS in July of 1996. I did not expect it. It was very hard. It took me 5 years until I got sick. My family knows but do not understand. They know that I take medicines but they do not acknowledge that they are for HIV/AIDS. There is a lot silence about HIV/AIDS. They do not worry because I look well. Please don't wait until you feel sick to get the HIV test. We all need to be brave and face HIV/AIDS together."

Words of Inspiration from: Pam Phillips - Martinez, CA

"I am sad and I feel frustrated when I think about HIV/AIDS. I feel sad because of the lives lost, the isolation it causes and the damage it inflicts on women. It has impacted communities of color the hardest, especially African American women. Women are the caregivers and child bearers of a community. Without women, a population will cease and fade away. Women of color need to empower themselves to be proactive about their health - talk about it and get tested for HIV!"

Words of Inspiration from: Sam Erwin - Pittsburg, CA

"Get all the knowledge you can about HIV - you do not have to get the virus. If you are not sure, get tested for HIV."

Words of Inspiration from: Alejandra - Richmond, CA

"Because I was already ill when I got my positive result for HIV in 1992. I thought that I had to prepare myself to die but luckily it wasn't too late for me. I found out early enough to have the options available to me. Today, I am feeling fine and am working to educate others about this disease and share my story. Now, I plan to live a normal life and focus not only on taking care of my own physical well being, but also my mind and spirit."

Words of Inspiration from: Graciela Salinas - Richmond, CA

"It is a silent killer. It is like the undertow of the ocean. When I began working as a case manager for people living with HIV/AIDS, I was not only walking into the valley of the unknown - but so was my family and close ones. It brought up a lot of different feelings for each of us. Since I've been a part of the Contra Costa HIV System of Care, I have learned about so much. My family and I now look at HIV in a whole new light. There is life after HIV and a whole lot of love and support to help you. Get Tested!"

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