Susan’s Story

It was Februay 1992. I was 21 years old, HIV-positive and in denial! I remember walking into the doctor’s office. I’d been going there since I was a child and everyone knew me. I’d taken the blood test two weeks prior at the advice of my high school sweetheart who found out he was positive when he tried to reenlist for the Army Reserves. My doctor requested that I come into the office immediately to discuss the test results. Since my boyfriend and I were both heterosexual and didn’t do drugs, I just didn’t believe that I could have HIV. Even when I got that pitiful “oh you poor thing” stare from the receptionist, I still didn’t want to believe…but it was true.

My doctor was very straight forward. She gave me a crash course in HIV/AIDS basics; then told me that I would be a good candidate for a new clinic called “WINGS”. I went to the clinic and learned what I needed to do in order to stay well and independent. Following the years after my diagnosis I married my high school sweetheart, had three children (all negative) and finished college.

Unfortunately, my husband’s health failed. When he could no longer work, I had to take care of him and my three young boys. We were in a financial crisis! If not for the money raised by the Louisville AIDS Walk, organizations such as House of Ruth and AIM wouldn’t have been able to assist me.

I was able to get help with everything from expensive medications to purchasing school items for my children. The staff at House of Ruth utilized their donations to make sure my children had one of the best Christmases ever, only one week after their father’s passing in 2001.

Aside from the assistance provided during my time of need, nothing tops the fact that these agency employees are the most giving, humane and compassionate people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Staff from all of the AIDS service providing agencies attended my husband’s funeral. They continue to make me feel that it isn’t just a job to give handouts…but that they really care.

It’s 2008 and I still utilize most of the services offered. House of Ruth helps me with housing, children’s assistance and they work together with AIM for a summer camp. Even better than all of that, when I just want to talk, I can call a case manager and do just that!

Walk the WALK!