Jyoti Dhawale (often called Jo) is a HIV activitist dedicated to making the world a better place for people living with HIV/AIDS. Jyoti herself was diagnosed HIV positive in 2005 due to medical negligence. The sad part is, this mishap happened during one of the forced abortions her ex-husband coerced her into.
In her early years, it is said that she suffered an accident which led to hearing loss. In spite of all the struggles, ‘Jo’ has emerged a winner. She shares her story with us today:
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My day usually begins and ends with Coffee…..hey wait!! That’s not a drink but the name of my cat!! I spend time with him, pamper him, give him all my love, feed him, clean his litter box, spread out his toys and then that’s when my day really starts: It begins with social media networking – first with my Facebook fan page, personal page then with emails, then onwards with other networking sites, counselling over websites, personal meets if any, community meets, events, routine hospital checkups to meet and encourage patients.
Otherwise am seen mostly in and around coffee shops, typing for my articles, blogs, or thesis.
I currently am on the Community Advisory Board - The Well Project (USA), I am also involved with - The Stigma Project (USA), among other projects. I am a HIV activist, to put it simply.
Many people link HIV with that of sex or drugs. And if you are a single woman then people will caste an eye on your chastity. Even if you have acquired the virus through other means, the mindset of our society’s thinking is such that it is biased to believe that it is acquired through sex. Such thoughts have to be broken. HIV doesn’t discriminate but people do.
I always live believing in the concept that “life is beautiful”. This is just one life. Make the best use of it. Don’t let go of the opportunities that come your way.
Yes, there were a time when I was broken, destroyed, shattered, but those were the trying moments…..moments to pick up the broken pieces. Moment to mend the cracks. Who says that the mighty ones don’t fall? They do fall, only to emerge victorious again. Their fall was not a failure or defeat, but a time to heal…what doesn’t kill them only make them stronger.
Thus, when I found love again after a bad marriage and a divorce, I decided to take a chance. And it has been a wonderful journey. Two years of courtship plus two years of marriage and still going strong…..
These are the myths surrounding HIV that I would like to bust today,
Thank you Jyoti for sharing your story!
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