What it's like to be Young, Beautiful and on HIV Meds

At (RED) we talk a lot about getting medicine to those living with HIV in Africa, by way of the Global Fund, the organization we work with to put the money on the ground in Africa. What most people might not realize is that one of the most important aspects about (RED) is that it creates a sustainable flow of funds to Africa. Our partners commit to an on-going partnership to create amazing products that you want, and that continue to send funds to those who need it most. This means those who need the medicine, get it and can stay on it. HIV is treatable but it is a lifelong responsibility.

Marvelyn Brown, author and AIDS activist who recently was honored by dosomething.org, paid a visit to our offices. While Marvelyn’s story comes from the U.S., and not Africa, we think it’s important to share her story, what it is like for her to be HIV+ and the responsibility it takes to stay healthy. Although (RED) money is put to work exclusively in Africa, our mission is to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS everywhere, and recognize that it is a worldwide issue that affects us all.

Marvelyn shares what it’s like to be on HIV meds:

I said "I DO" to my meds July 21, 2003. At the time I was not ready for a commitment but I had no choice. It was an arranged marriage. With HIV come meds, they’re hand in hand. It was not something that I wanted to do or felt that I was ready to do, but I had to do for the sake of my health and me. The day I married my meds I knew that there was no turning back because it was a lifelong commitment and by not being fully committed there could be consequences like becoming resistant to my meds forever.

Like any marriage, my meds and I do not always get along. I experience side effects that consist of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and mood swings to name a few, but in order to make this marriage work, I deal with them. I refuse to take the easy way out so divorce is no option and if I cheat it only affects me. When our marriage is going thru problems, I just consult with my primary doctor for reassurance (‘cause no relationship is too good for counseling). Even though I married at a young age of 19, I was not always a responsible teenager. I am glad that I finally took responsibility over my future and my life, by deciding to start my meds and staying committed. I must admit, marriage is not all that it is cracked up to be.

Marvelyn has written a book about what it’s like to be diagnosed HIV+. It’s called ‘The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and (HIV) Positive’ and you can buy it in bookstores and on Amazon.

To find out more about Marvelyn check out her website - http://www.marvelynbrown.com/