Violet’s Life with HIV, Part 1

Violet, 18, sat miserably at the doctor’s office waiting to find out whether she had mono. The shocking news she got instead: she was HIV positive. She couldn’t believe her ears. She never considered herself at-risk for HIV.

Still shell-shocked the next week, she had her first HIV clinic appointment with Dr. Mary Fairchok—also a long-time camp doctor for REACH. Mary described to Violet all the support REACH had to offer. Violet was immediately drawn to having an understanding friend – a REACH Mentor – to walk alongside her in this new harsh reality. A month later, Violet was matched with her REACH mentor. She was shy at their first meeting, but her wide smile spoke volumes. In the coming years Violet poured out her thoughts and fears to her mentor. Violet admitted she had a phobia of blood draws and pills. She didn’t think she could stomach the horrible tasting medicines. She even admitted she felt deeply “flawed” like no one would accept her again. Her mentor spoke works of comfort and encouragement – this is not a punishment; you are beautiful and special; God loves you.

Read Part 2 of Violet’s story in a couple of days.