16 year survivor

[C.Ann]

While I cannot pinpoint the exact date,somewhere towards the end of Jan begining of Feb 1991 I contracted HIV. I contracted it from my husband, while on active duty in the Military..I believed I was *safe*.. I was in a relationship and in the military while I was regularly tested..As I was in the military they used their own classification system for AIDS and at the time,if your tcells were below 300, you were considered to have full blown AIDS .I had 2 tcell counts under 300. I was 20 years old and pregnant with my oldest daughter.. AT the time it was expected that the time from an AIDS diagnosis to death was about 2 years..I was advised to have an abortion and write a will.
Well it's 16 years later and I'm still here. My story is written down here
http://www.geocities.com/jennymominri/MyPage.html
Why am I telling you this? Why do I choose to talk about this? I don't want special treatment, or pity. What I do want is to prevent some people from ending up in the sam boat that I am in. So many people ,even today ,think that they can tell when someone is *safe*. Well look at my avatar and my sig...That is what AIDS looks like..Can you tell? Do I look like someone with AIDS?
Peace everyone and please be safe.

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I just read your entire story and all I can say is you are truly an AMAZING woman!! I honestly and truly don't know what else to say - except to wish you continued good health.. You're a real inspiration..

 

[tevagirl]

Congratulations on year 16, Jenny, and here's praying for many, many more.

 

[VAgal76]

I think others have summed it up - you are amazing. Now all I can do is send a virtual and maybe celebrate a bit with you....


Cheers!

 

[Mermaid02]

I'll steal a line I think I saw someone else tell you on some other thread....Keep on truckin baby.

Here's to many more years.

First... YEA Jenny!!! I hope your good health continues for a very long time!

Second- Monte Cristo, that is the most gorgeous baby I have ever seen! I hope my own children don't see this post!

 

[Cinderellafifi]

What an inspiration you are, Jenny. Your story is absolutely amazing! I cannot imagine being as strong as you have been, not only for yourself and children, but your DH.

Here's to good health, happiness, and a wonderfully long life!

 

[lindalinda]

I read your blog and it is inspiring!

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

I think you are an amazing and truly inspirational person. When I first joined the DIS and signature, I was surprised and amazed. I had to smile when I saw the picture of you with your children. By living your life the way you do, you give hope to other people. You have been through so much, yet you are such a positive person. You are a very special person. Thank you for sharing your story. I pray that someday there will be a cure for AIDS.

 

[Jeanny]

Congrats Jenny!!!

 

[mbw12]

Congratulations on reaching this milestone. I remember reading your story awhile back......very inspirational.

good luck to you!

 

[Sherri]

You have so much courage and strength. Your kids are really lucky to have such a great role model. Your bio. was one of inspiration and hope.