San Antonio, Texas

Positive since 2014

About three years ago, HIV was discovered in my body. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with AIDS and was close to death because I had not been showing any symptoms. My CD4 count was down to two. I went to the emergency room at University Hospital in San Antonio, where I ended up staying for five months and almost died four times. But I made it.

What is your greatest achievement?

Surviving AIDS so far with the assistance of University Hospital here in San Antonio.

What is your greatest regret?

Getting infected by someone, but because I was so promiscuous, I have no idea who it was.

What keeps you up at night?

Wondering if I will continue to survive or not.

If you could change one thing about living with HIV, what would it be?

A cure.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Try to love others no matter what.

What person in the HIV/AIDS community do you most admire?

I have many friends who are survivors that came to my aid in the hospital and have helped me since then.

What drives you to do what you do?

My spirit. I am Catholic and very devout. I trust God will take care of me.

What is your motto?

You don’t want AIDS.

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?

My meds.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?

A dog because they seem to love everyone regardless.