From Me to You: Tips on Dealing With an HIV/AIDS Diagnosis

Raúl Roldán, San Diego, Calif., diagnosed in 2006

I would let them know that HIV is no longer a death sentence. It is a manageable chronic disease and basically, life is what you make it.

There's no need to get sick. As long as you do what you have to do. See the doctor and if you need to start meds, stay on your meds, follow the regimen and just take care of yourself. You could have a life. It's up to them what they want to do with their lives. You know, they could be mad or sad or they could be happy and glad and I've seen this disease change a lot of people for the good actually. I'm one of them. If I could change my life, anybody can change their life!

To those who have just been diagnosed with HIV, I want to tell them that life has just begun. One does not have to get sick. This is a chronic, manageable illness and, if you take care of yourself, you can have a long and good life. In my case, I am happier today than I was before. Taking your meds is like tying your shoelaces. Life is what you make of it.