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Stories of Hope
 The medical advancements the Foundation has funded and supported throughout the years have created an irrepressible new emotion for those infected with HIV/AIDS: Hope. All over the United States and around the world, adults and children are learning to live with the mental and physical effects of this life-shattering disease, and they're doing so with strength and grace. Learn about the various ways HIV/AIDS influences daily life from firsthand accounts written by friends of the Foundation. We wouldn't be surprised if their stories inspire you to join in the fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS and illness.
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Featured Story
Fatima
Fatima* is like many other women in Mozambique. At 30 years old, she is a widow with four children and HIV-positive. Her first husband, Afonso, was a miner working in South Africa before he died from HIV-related tuberculosis. Fatima knew her husband’s HIV status before he died, but did not know that he could transmit the virus to her.
Four years after her first husband’s death, Fatima became pregnant with her second husband. She went to the nearest public hospital, which is supported by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, to receive antenatal care, and she accepted HIV counseling and testing. She was surprised and devastated to learn she was HIV-positive, but she did not lose hope.
Fatima joined the hospital’s prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program and began antiretroviral therapy (ART) when she was seven months pregnant. Despite some very difficult side effects, she continued her treatment. Fatima gave birth at home because she was too weak to go to the hospital, but she returned to the hospital after her daughter was born and was able to change treatments. Now, she does not suffer any side effects. “I take my pills two times per day, at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.,” Fatima said. “Without even looking at the time, I know when to take my medicine.”
Fatima says she could not have found the courage to continue in the PMTCT and ART programs without the support of the hospital and Foundation staff. “I have learned so much from the PMTCT support group, including the methods of HIV transmission and that children will grow well even if a mother stops breastfeeding at six months,” said Fatima. “Through their encouragement and advice, I was able to wean my baby after six months,” which reduces the risk of transmitting HIV.
Due to the information she received at the PMTCT support groups, Fatima gave her baby medicine to prevent infections and regularly attended appointments to monitor the health of her HIV-exposed child. Due to her commitment and active participation, Fatima was selected to be a peer mother at the hospital, facilitating PMTCT support groups.
Today, Fatima’s little girl is 11 months old and HIV-negative. Fatima encourages all HIV-positive women “to start and adhere to treatment when needed, even if you are in pain or experience difficulties, because there are doctors who can take care of you.”
Fatima is free of HIV-related infections, with a bright smile and a positive outlook on life. “My dream,” she says, “is to stay healthy to see my children finish school and build a big house for them.”
*Real name changed to protect confidentiality and identity.More Stories of Hope
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