Dear Danny:
Well, I thought I would tell you my story and how hard it has been for me. I am married to a man who was recently diagnosed on my birthday with AIDS. We met in April of 2000 and I got pregnant in November of 2001 with my first child. Everything was going just the way I had dreamed until we came back from vacation and my husband was rushed to the emergency room the next morning because he could not breathe. They said he had AIDS-related pneumonia. The doctor came in and told us on my birthday that his AIDS test came back positive and that he has probably had it for about 10 years. His T-cell count was 15! I had almost lost him and my biggest fear was losing him. He was in the armed services in another country and that is where he had contracted the virus. Well not only was I seven months pregnant and really scared for my unborn son, but we haven't had our wedding yet! I took it a lot better than I thought I would. I decided to marry him the next day after we found out. I told him I would never leave him just because he was positive and me and his son were not. It is some miracle from God that me and my son are negative, but we love his dad more now than ever. I hope my story will help other people realize that people with AIDS still need someone to love and support them till the end and that is what I plan on doing with my husband. Well, he is doing great now and I love your stories, so keep up the good work. Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
Signed, Yours Truly in Tennessee
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Dear Truly Blessed,
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm printing your letter for two reasons. One, your husband is a living testament to the fact that that with the proper diagnosis and treatment, AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Secondly, your story is a good wake-up call to many in your situation who never expect to be touched by HIV/AIDS.
Twenty one years into this epidemic, many people still think AIDS is a disease confined to homosexuals and drug users, when in fact here in the U.S., one of the fastest rising rates of infection is among heterosexual women. I'm so glad your husband is doing better and you all have your health. Your husband is a lucky man to have you remain in his life and it's obvious that you feel the same way about him. Nelson Mandela said, 'AIDS is our No. 1 enemy. This enemy can be defeated. While the research for a cure continues, four principles, love, support, acceptance and care for those affected, can make us winners.' Hopefully, not only will your story make people realize that, but perhaps reading it will convince someone who thinks they are safe from AIDS get tested and seek the support and treatment they need.
Thanks for writing and thanks for putting us one step closer to winning.
Love, Danny