Living with HIV: Lisa’s journey of resilience and hope

Dec 08, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

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By Shania Williams

Kaieteur News- In a world where each day brings its own set of challenges, few face a more daunting path than those living with HIV. For many, the stigma and discrimination they encounter can be overwhelming. Yet, Lisa’s ( not real name ) story—over a decade-long journey of perseverance—proves that even in the face of relentless adversity, hope, strength, and love can prevail.

The Diagnosis: A life-changing moment

Lisa was just 17 years old in 2008 when she received the news that would change her life forever. Pregnant at the time, Lisa was advised during a routine check-up to undergo an HIV test. The fear of the unknown hung over her as she awaited the results.

When the nurse delivered the news that “Your test is positive”—Lisa was struck with a wave of disbelief.

“I remember crying for hours,” she recalls. “I was scared of how my family, especially my mom, would react. I did not know what to do.”

The realization that HIV was transmitted through sexual contact was not lost on Lisa, who understood the implications of her diagnosis. She said that she had contracted the disease from her child’s father. The emotional toll was immediate. Discrimination from family, friends, and even strangers took its toll on her mental health. The shame, the accusations, and the hurtful words all served to deepen the pain of her new reality.

A struggle against stigma and fear

For Lisa, the hardest part was not just the diagnosis but the isolation that followed. “People treated me differently. It was like they saw me as a disease, not as a person,” she says. The criticism from her family, the whispers behind her back, and the cold shoulders from those she loved made her feel more like a victim than a survivor. “ when I told my mother that I was HIV positive, she give me my own bowl and cup and tell me don’t share it with others and leave me like that,” Lisa confessed.

 

But through the darkness, one light remained—her grandmother. With unwavering support, her grandmother helped care for Lisa’s child and encouraged her to continue with her treatment, no matter how difficult. “She was my rock,” Lisa says. “When I was at my lowest, my grandmother was there, making sure I stayed on track. Every time I take the pills and went to sleep my grandmother would take care of my child.”

Lisa’s treatment journey began at the South Road Clinic, where she was introduced to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which would become a lifeline. ART works by suppressing the HIV virus, allowing the immune system to heal and protect the body from further damage. But the road to stability was not easy. “The side effects were tough—drowsiness, lightheadedness, and numbness. But I kept going because I had to. Not just for me, but for my four kids,” Lisa explains.

A mother’s Love

One of Lisa’s biggest fears was passing HIV to her unborn child. But with the right treatment and care, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, free from the virus. “I felt relieved she says. “I didn’t want my children to go through what I was going through. I wanted them to live their lives without the disease,” she said.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Lisa found strength in her children. With each passing year, her resolve grew stronger. “They are my motivation. Every day I wake up, I remind myself that I’m fighting for them,” the emotional mothers said.

Overcoming the Odds

It hasn’t been an easy ride for Lisa, but 16 years later, she’s still here—stronger and more determined than ever. She has made a conscious decision to live her life with purpose, taking control of her health and her future. “The key is to stay healthy, eat right, and exercise. You can still live a full, normal life with HIV,” Lisa asserted.

The ridicule and discrimination haven’t disappeared, but Lisa has learned to cope. She has joined a support group where she shares her story with others living with HIV. There, she has found not only understanding but also a sense of belonging. “We are a family. We help each other, encourage each other, and remind each other that we are not alone,” she says, her voice filled with gratitude.

Lisa’s father, who lives abroad, sends money regularly to support her and checks in on her health. His support, along with that of her grandmother and current partner, has been crucial in her healing process. “My partner is my biggest support now,” she says. “He’s been there for me in ways I never imagined. He loves me for who I am, not for my diagnosis.”

Today, Lisa’s life is filled with hope. She dreams of becoming a successful business owner and providing for her four children. “My children are everything to me,” she says. “I want them to have a better future. I want them to know that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome it.”

 

Lisa’s message to those living with HIV is clear: “Don’t let the stigma control you. Live your life. Stay strong. And always remember that you are not alone.”

Her story is one of resilience, love, and unwavering strength. Through her journey, Lisa has not only survived but thrived—becoming an inspiration to others facing similar battles. In her own words: “It’s a long road, but with the right support and a strong will, you can make it through. Keep fighting, because your life is worth it.”

In a world that often feels unforgiving, Lisa is a shining example of the power of hope, resilience, and love in the face of HIV.

(Living with HIV: Lisa’s journey of resilience and hope)

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• HIV positive, Lisa's journey of resilience and hope, Living with HIV, relentless adversity, stigma and fear

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