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A.W.'s Story

A.W. was living on the East Coast when he was diagnosed with HIV. His family urged him to come back to California to see if CARES could help him. Here’s what A.W. has to say about CARES:

“I feel so fortunate that I found CARES. I had been treated so poorly on the East Coast that I figured that is how it would be at CARES. But instead of being treated like a number and not being able to get a doctor’s appointment for six weeks, at CARES I was treated like a real person. Everyone I’ve met has listened to me, has been friendly, has been helpful and has given me hope. Everyone has been positive and has treated me with respect.

I was very depressed when I was diagnosed with HIV. I thought my life was over. But now I have a whole different way of seeing myself. I have people who support me in making the decisions that are the best for me. They don’t judge me, they let me express myself. Sometimes I’ll worry about problems but I come to CARES and find a way to solve them.

I’m no longer ashamed of myself. I get tools to stand up for myself and feel proud of who I am. I no longer think I’m going to die from this disease. I can live a good healthy life because I get good advice here on how to take care of myself. My outlook on having HIV is totally different than when I first came here.”

HIV/AIDS