25 Years / 25 Stories

08: Diagnosis – Now What?

As challenges around HIV continue to evolve and many view the disease with less angst than in previous decades, every day in Minnesota someone learns that they are HIV–positive. It's a moment that can stun, scare, sadden or anger anyone. In the last 25 years, over 8,000 people in Minnesota have received this news and over 5,500 in Minnesota are living with HIV today.

"You probably won't beat this, but that doesn't mean that you can let it beat you."

Paul, a member of Positive Link, shares his story of diagnosis and moving forward despite the obstacle that HIV presents. Positive Link is a program designed to give people living with HIV a way to connect with other HIV–positive people for essential support, information, and friendship.

"I got my HIV–positive diagnosis on March 31, 2003 and from the very first moments of hearing the news from my doctor, I tried to figure out what it would mean in my life. A few years ago, I had the privilege of working for an inspirational woman that ended up losing her struggle with cancer. On her last day in the office prior to her retirement, I had a chance to sit down with her and reveal my positive status. The words that left her mouth next are ones that have guided me through life's challenges ever since.

She said, "You probably won't beat this, but that doesn't mean that you can let it beat you." When I heard those words, my life refocused in a way that has given me cause and meaning for the simplest of life's challenges. Today, I refuse to let my diagnosis get in the way of reaching my goals or aspirations. I don't ever want to use my status as an excuse for why I can't do something. Just this year, I finished the Twin Cities Ten Mile with my best time ever and have my sights set on the full marathon next year.

I know that each day brings new challenges living with HIV, but I never realized just how many things in my life would be affected by my HIV diagnosis—everything changed.

"I know that each day brings new challenges living with HIV, but I never realized just how many things in my life would be affected by my HIV diagnosis—everything changed. All of a sudden, I found myself dealing with a huge negative societal stigma, unique situations at work, changes to my personal and family relationships, new financial considerations—everything was different. The friendships I have built through the Positive Link program at Minnesota AIDS Project and the support of people around me have helped in so many ways that are difficult to describe.

"Having people that share a common experience and understand what living with HIV is like has helped me cope with each adversity along the way. My friendships with other positive men have given me the opportunity to rediscover who I am and what I want out of life. These friendships bring motivation and inspiration when I need it the most to keep on achieving my goals and continuing to reach new heights!"

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