"I have been living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) since birth. I had full-blown Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by the age of 3. At first when I say that I was born with HIV, people think my story does not matter to them. What do I say to this? The same disease that I am living with is the same disease you can get from taking part in unsafe sexual acts, if you and your partner do not know your HIV status. The "H" in HIV stands for HUMAN - that means ANYONE. 

Growing up I was always in and out of the hospital from blood infections to brain infections to having chicken pox 7 times because my immune system was so weak. I coded blue three different times, meaning I’ve died three times and the doctors brought me back to life. Knowing these things makes me appreciate life so much more.

I am [30] years old. I take three HIV/AIDS medications a day and I go to the doctor every 3-6 months, more if I’m feeling ill. I went to college, but had to stop going because I was sick and needed to rest.

It is possible for someone living with HIV/AIDS to have a relationship but partners have to be educated on how to stay safe. I am dating someone I’ve known since high school. We plan on getting married when he is done with school. At one point, I was madly in love with someone who was ashamed of letting people know I have full-blown AIDS, which hurt and sometimes brought me down.

I try to stay positive because there are people who are no longer with us, and I don’t want to walk around depressed when I have a heart beat.”

- Hydeia Broadbent