STEP 8: Gathering Strength From Others

People say that HIV is color blind -- and they're right. But let's not kid ourselves: HIV may be the same virus even if you're African American, but having it doesn't always mean the same thing. Read how HIV has transformed the lives of these brave people:

Precious Jackson "For some people I've talked to, HIV changes their lifestyle -- now they feel healthier and are not abusing themselves anymore. That's what happened to me."

-- Precious Jackson, 33, diagnosed in 1998

To read more about Precious, click here.

Michelle Lopez "HIV gave me lemons, so I made lemonade. And it's damn good lemonade!"

-- Michelle Lopez, 38, diagnosed in 1991

To read more about Michelle, click here.

Regina Brandon "HIV has changed my life totally." "Keep your head up! HIV is not a punishment. ... Don't let it monopolize your life! It's very important that you learn to love yourself."

-- Regina Brandon, 42, diagnosed in 1990

To read more about Regina, click here.

Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks "HIV makes me make every day count."

-- Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks, 54, diagnosed in 1984

To read more about Bishop Rainey Cheeks, click here.

David Garner

"The best response when I told someone I was HIV positive was from my daughter, who looked up at me with those little brown eyes she has and said, 'Well Daddy, no matter what happens to you, I will always love you.' After that, it's like, you know, who cares? Everybody else can take a number, because I'm all right now."

-- David Garner, 45, diagnosed in 1993

To read more about David, click here.

Raven Lopez "All the friends that I told, they all got emotional and started crying. But all of them, they said, 'No matter what, Raven, we will still love you and you will always be our friend.'"

-- Raven Lopez, 16, diagnosed 1991

To read more about Raven, click here.

D'Jaun Black

Photo by Ara Howrani of Ameen Howrani Photography

"HIV changed me. It taught me to genuinely care for other people. Once I became comfortable being HIV positive I was comfortable with myself, period. I found myself making more friends, talking to more people. I really began to have a social life. Through HIV, I found socialization, something that I always lacked."

D'Jaun Black, age 22, diagnosed in 2004

To read more about D'Jaun, click here.

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