Because of the lack of education on AIDS, discrimination, fear, panic, and lies surrounded me.

Rumors of sneezing, kissing, tears, sweat, and saliva spreading AIDS caused people to panic.

AIDS can destroy a family if you let it, but luckily for my sister and me, Mom taught us to keep going. Don't give up, be proud of who you are, and never feel sorry for yourself.

On December 17, 1984, I had surgery to remove two inches of my left lung due to pneumonia. After two hours of surgery the doctors told my mother I had AIDS.

The panic crawled throughout his limbs like a million tiny newborn spiders.

I'm just one of the kids, and all because the students at Hamilton Heights High School listened to the facts, educated their parents and themselves, and believed in me.