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Anthony Raiola tested positive for HIV in 1996.

“Today, I love my life. I’ve never been happier. I have a rewarding job. My family is back in my life, and my faith is back in my life. I’ve been clean from my drug of choice for five years. I’m taking Lexiva, Retrovir and Viread , my T-cells are 876, and my viral load is undetectable. It’s been like that for the last nine or ten months.”

Anthony works for Community Health Action (formerly the Staten Island AIDS Task Force). “I love helping people who need help,” Anthony says. “Because I was there. I’ve helped people who have totally turned their lives around. One was an ex of mine from my days on the street. Today he’s been clean for ten months, he’s working, and he has his own apartment.”

“I tell my clients: ‘It wasn’t overnight that you became an addict, and you won’t overcome it overnight. It’s a journey. But if you’re willing to take that journey, it can be wonderful.’ I used to sleep in the streets. Today I have responsibilities, along with my own beautifully furnished apartment. God is good.”

Anthony is deeply involved in the fight against AIDS, with membership on a wide variety of key committees, including the Mayor’s Office HIV Planning Council. “This is my second term on the Mayor’s Council,” Anthony says. “I like it a lot – I’ve met a lot of very important and friendly people.”

Anthony’s advice to other who are HIV-Positive?

“I can’t stress enough that HIV is NOT a death sentence any longer. I thought I was going to die, and I made a stupid mistake – I went back out on the streets for four more years. Don’t do what I did. People are living healthy, long, productive lives today. I’m one of them: I’m in my ninth year.”

“HIV is a life change, not a death sentence. I find myself eating better today, doing things that are mentally and physically stimulating. It’s all about acceptance, understanding and education.”

Copyright 2010, Positive Health Publications, Inc.

This magazine is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!