The last 24 hours have been amazing. I was scanning CNN news posts and came across this amazing story of a woman facing a difficult decision with HIV:
Linda Scruggs (Courtesy CNN.com)
Excerpt from CNN: She sat in a small exam room, down a hallway that gets even longer when she remembers it. That was where doctors told Linda Scruggs, 13 weeks pregnant, that she had tested positive for HIV.
“They told me that I had the option of terminating the pregnancy to prolong my health, and they offered me, with the termination, five years to live,” recalls Scruggs. “If I did not terminate this baby, probably me and the baby both would be dead within three years.”
That year, 1990, marked Scruggs’ 25th birthday and her status as one of an estimated 1 million people in the United States infected with HIV. (Read the complete story on CNN).
There are many stories about HIV/AIDS and as we share our stories it empowers us and hopefully touches the lives of others. Please read the story of Linda Scruggs — definitely amazing. A big hug for my sista in the struggle and HIV/AIDS advocacy.
Today, I had the opportunity to conduct two classes with HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS) clients at VICARE in St. Croix. When I am able to give back to people like me and help them see that the power is within them to affect change in their lives — I feel my job is complete. Sometimes we miss that we each have power to affect change. We have to find that inner source and connect it with others so that silence is broken and our voices are heard.
As we continue to survive and live through this AIDS pandemic — we must never give up the struggle to live. We must always reach out and help others around us who are struggling with HIV/AIDS. One mentor always said — “each one teach one”. To the Linda Scruggs, HOPWA Clients, and the millions living with HIV/AIDS — we share a bond and know that the power within us is the power we need to beat this disease.
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