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Youth and HIV in the United States |
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two people 15 to 24 years of age are infected every hour |
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young people account for nearly half of all new HIV infections |
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47% of high school students have had sexual intercourse |
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7.5% of youth have sexual intercourse before age 13 |
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research shows a large proportion of young people are not concerned about becoming infected with HIV |
| Youth and HIV Worldwide |
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AIDS is the second most common cause of death among 20 to 24 year olds |
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2.1 million children were living with HIV at the end of 2008. |
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430,000 children aged 14 or younger became infected with HIV in 2008 |
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| • • • HIV/AIDS is Preventable • • • |
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One of my biggest dilemmas after testing positive was recovering from the news and accessing the resources for HIV positive individuals. The feeling that I experienced of overwhelming loneliness was something that nearly killed me, and it was other positive women who brought me back to life. To share my hope and gratitude for that, I hope to provide a means for newly infected individuals as well as people already living with the virus to communicate with each other. I also hope to give the "affected" and interested people
of the world a chance to see how "we" live and survive.
AIDS is not over. Medications make it possible to live longer, however we are still dying at
unacceptable rates. The misconception still exists that this disease is economically, culturally and racially
selective - the "it won't happen to me" syndrome. Left to this ignorance, many more people will become infected.
This site is dedicated to sharing my personal experiences living with HIV. You will also find the basics of HIV information. However, I leave the medical aspects to the professionals. I will show you where to go to get that information as it comes up or on the links page.
The virus may kill cells, but it has yet to kill my spirit. In my presentations I offer the statement that "no question is too personal". If by opening a window into my own existence, I can encourage one more person to live life to the fullest, to get what they deserve and give and receive the love that we all need as human beings, then I will have served my purpose. |
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HIV/AIDS Information
