Real Stories That Touch Your Heart

My Friend, My Inspiration

When Jason told me that he is HIV-positive, I asked him, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” He replied, “There wasn’t a need to tell you. Would it have made any difference?” Jason was right. It wouldn’t. He is still my best friend, and even if he is HIV-positive, he is still an amazing person.

In fact, Jason is one of the people I respect and admire the most. He works longer hours than anyone I know because he wants to do his work well to benefit the people he cares for. I am sometimes embarrassed that I do not work as hard as he does!.

Jason is also a very helpful person. His co-workers say that he is a good team player. He would put in extra hours to mentor his younger teammates to help them to do their work better.

Once, when a kitten in the neighbourhood where Jason lived was abused, he worked with the neighbours to identify the abuser, and reported the person to the authorities.

Jason is one of the few people whom I know, who is not only successful, but cares deeply for others. He hopes to travel to other countries to use his skills and abilities to help the poor and less fortunate in those countries.

Wherever I think of Jason, I do not think of his HIV status. I think of how amazing he is as a person and I think of how proud I am to be his friend.

Helen was a regular, bright and cheery 17-year-old girl who had many friends. She studied hard and did well in school. Slowly, she started losing her friends and in the end, she took her own life. She would have a great future in front of her if she was alive.

No one knew why she ended her life. But the suicide had actually came shortly after her friends knew that she was HIV-positive. People’s discrimination and judgment can change everything. It cut short Helen’s life and the bright future that she might have.

Choosing to focus on that one point – HIV – changed the course of someone’s life.

But we have the power to not allow this to happen to someone else. We can choose to see someone as a whole person – for who they are.

Sometimes, when we do not know a person, we will judge them based on one aspect of who they are. But, do we want people to judge us based on just one aspect of who we are? We know that we a complete person and we want people to see that. So, maybe we need to learn to see that of others too.

If we want people to start to understand us, maybe we can start by understanding them too?

.

startt to dd tand uus,rstaan

The power to change is within us to open our hearts and minds to learn more

about the lives of people living with HIV, so that we can give them the space to live

meaningful and inspiring lives.

To read more, you can go to the campaign website at

www.ttsh.com.sg/powertochange

. s

In here, you will find some very inspiring stories, stories that you may find familiar. The only difference is that these are stories of people living with HIV. Living with HIV, as you can imagine, can be a rough journey, especially if people living with HIV have to go through it alone.As we understand the lives of people living with HIV, we realise that they go through life’s ups and downs, like all of us do.Just as we won’t want to go through life’s downs on our own, we can reach out to understand them and the lives they go through.And to show our love and support to them.Read on to learn more about their stories.

What Comes to Your Mind?

When you think of HIV, what is it that comes to your mind? In the box below, write down some of the words and/or phrases that you would think of.

When we think of HIV, we might judge the people living with HIV, just because they are HIV-positive.

But, do we actually know them personally? People living with HIV have their own stories.

When Lily found out that a neighbour, Sarah, is HIV-positive, she started to shy away from her. But one day, she learned that Sarah is also a volunteer who tuitions the neighbourhood children and help out with the needy, and she began to feel guilty for judging her.

Sometimes, we tend to judge someone first instead of take the time to get to know them better.

When we are able to see beyond their HIV status, we realise that they are just like you and I, and they too, have hopes and dreams.

Do you remember a time when someone made a judgment about you and you felt wronged? And you thought that he or she could have spoken to you and find out more about you?

What would you do if you were in their shoes? Would we try to understand the person’s story instead of judging?

NEW Facts about HIV! 1. We now know a lot more about HIV. With the right

medication and support, a person can continue to live a normal life span. HIV is now manageable.

2. It has been scientifically proven that HIV cannot be transmitted by touching, hugging or sharing of food, so there is really no concern about contracting HIV from casual interaction.

3. People living with HIV now live a fairly normal life. Many go on to pursue further education and take on jobs that any of us do, such as being lawyers or engineers, and contribute to the economy. They also give back to society, such as by doing voluntary work.

4. When people living with HIV have an opportunity to be understood and accepted, we see their health and mental well-being improve tremendously. Their relationship with their family and friends also grow stronger and closer.

The power to change is within us to open our hearts to learn about the lives of people with HIV and to embrace them with kindness.

When my friend told me that he is HIV-positive

When Zhihao told me that he is HIV-positive, I was shocked. Zhihao is a good-looking young man and is active in sports. In fact, many people look up to Zhihao because he always seemed so accomplished.

Zhihao told me that when he first found out about his HIV positive status, he was disappointed with himself. However, when he learned from his doctor that with medication, he would still have a long life ahead of him, he decided to look ahead and plan for his future.

Zhihao has a good career as a businessman. He also spends his free time volunteering. He would run support groups for other people living with HIV to encourage them to think positively, and to believe in themselves and remain strong.

Now, when he meets people who know that he is HIV-positive, he would take the opportunity to share with them about HIV, to let them know that people living with HIV can continue to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

When others see how he continues to stay strong and live his life well, they have a newfound understanding of people living with HIV.

I have gained new respect for Zhihao. He continues to believe in life and live his life to the fullest. And this motivates me to want to do better for myself.

A Family’s Love and Acceptance

When Farah found out that she was HIV-positive, she informed her husband, Tim, and her sisters. Farah’s relationship with Tim hadn’t been good and they had been sleeping in separate rooms for the past few years.

When Tim knew, he didn’t get angry. Instead, for the first time in years, he held her arm and told her that he would be there to support her. Her sisters were initially shocked by the news and cried, but they hugged her and told her that she could always ask them for help if she needed to.

Farah’s doctor had suggested that she start on medication, so that she can continue to live a long life. However, as Farah couldn’t fully accept her diagnosis initially, she didn’t take her medication regularly.

Farah focuses her attention on taking care of her 4 children. She is a very caring, loving and devoted mother and her children love her very much.

Since her diagnosis, Farah and Tim started talking more and grew closer. One day, he told her, “I realise that, after all this, I treasure you a lot. I want you to stay well, so that we can spend more time together.” Her sisters would also text her everyday to remind her to take her medication.

Because of the love that her family showed, Farah started taking her medication regularly so as to stay healthy. She wants to grow old and be able to see her children grow up and achieve success in their lives.

Exercise:

ct

In here, you will find some very inspiring stories, stories that you may find familiar. The only difference is that these are stories of people living with HIV. Living with HIV, as you can imagine, can be a rough journey, especially if people living with HIV have to go through it alone.As we understand the lives of people living with HIV, we realise that they go through life’s ups and downs, like all of us do.Just as we won’t want to go through life’s downs on our own, we can reach out to understand them and the lives they go through.And to show our love and support to them.Read on to learn more about their stories.

What Comes to Your Mind?

When you think of HIV, what is it that comes to your mind? In the box below, write down some of the words and/or phrases that you would think of.

When we think of HIV, we might judge the people living with HIV, just because they are HIV-positive.

But, do we actually know them personally? People living with HIV have their own stories.

When Lily found out that a neighbour, Sarah, is HIV-positive, she started to shy away from her. But one day, she learned that Sarah is also a volunteer who tuitions the neighbourhood children and help out with the needy, and she began to feel guilty for judging her.

Sometimes, we tend to judge someone first instead of take the time to get to know them better.

When we are able to see beyond their HIV status, we realise that they are just like you and I, and they too, have hopes and dreams.

Do you remember a time when someone made a judgment about you and you felt wronged? And you thought that he or she could have spoken to you and find out more about you?

What would you do if you were in their shoes? Would we try to understand the person’s story instead of judging?

NEW Facts about HIV! 1. We now know a lot more about HIV. With the right

medication and support, a person can continue to live a normal life span. HIV is now manageable.

2. It has been scientifically proven that HIV cannot be transmitted by touching, hugging or sharing of food, so there is really no concern about contracting HIV from casual interaction.

3. People living with HIV now live a fairly normal life. Many go on to pursue further education and take on jobs that any of us do, such as being lawyers or engineers, and contribute to the economy. They also give back to society, such as by doing voluntary work.

4. When people living with HIV have an opportunity to be understood and accepted, we see their health and mental well-being improve tremendously. Their relationship with their family and friends also grow stronger and closer.

The power to change is within us to open our hearts to learn about the lives of people with HIV and to embrace them with kindness.

When my friend told me that he is HIV-positive

When Zhihao told me that he is HIV-positive, I was shocked. Zhihao is a good-looking young man and is active in sports. In fact, many people look up to Zhihao because he always seemed so accomplished.

Zhihao told me that when he first found out about his HIV positive status, he was disappointed with himself. However, when he learned from his doctor that with medication, he would still have a long life ahead of him, he decided to look ahead and plan for his future.

Zhihao has a good career as a businessman. He also spends his free time volunteering. He would run support groups for other people living with HIV to encourage them to think positively, and to believe in themselves and remain strong.

Now, when he meets people who know that he is HIV-positive, he would take the opportunity to share with them about HIV, to let them know that people living with HIV can continue to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

When others see how he continues to stay strong and live his life well, they have a newfound understanding of people living with HIV.

I have gained new respect for Zhihao. He continues to believe in life and live his life to the fullest. And this motivates me to want to do better for myself.

A Family’s Love and Acceptance

When Farah found out that she was HIV-positive, she informed her husband, Tim, and her sisters. Farah’s relationship with Tim hadn’t been good and they had been sleeping in separate rooms for the past few years.

When Tim knew, he didn’t get angry. Instead, for the first time in years, he held her arm and told her that he would be there to support her. Her sisters were initially shocked by the news and cried, but they hugged her and told her that she could always ask them for help if she needed to.

Farah’s doctor had suggested that she start on medication, so that she can continue to live a long life. However, as Farah couldn’t fully accept her diagnosis initially, she didn’t take her medication regularly.

Farah focuses her attention on taking care of her 4 children. She is a very caring, loving and devoted mother and her children love her very much.

Since her diagnosis, Farah and Tim started talking more and grew closer. One day, he told her, “I realise that, after all this, I treasure you a lot. I want you to stay well, so that we can spend more time together.” Her sisters would also text her everyday to remind her to take her medication.

Because of the love that her family showed, Farah started taking her medication regularly so as to stay healthy. She wants to grow old and be able to see her children grow up and achieve success in their lives.

Exercise:

ct

In here, you will find some very inspiring stories, stories that you may find familiar. The only difference is that these are stories of people living with HIV. Living with HIV, as you can imagine, can be a rough journey, especially if people living with HIV have to go through it alone.As we understand the lives of people living with HIV, we realise that they go through life’s ups and downs, like all of us do.Just as we won’t want to go through life’s downs on our own, we can reach out to understand them and the lives they go through.And to show our love and support to them.Read on to learn more about their stories.

What Comes to Your Mind?

When you think of HIV, what is it that comes to your mind? In the box below, write down some of the words and/or phrases that you would think of.

When we think of HIV, we might judge the people living with HIV, just because they are HIV-positive.

But, do we actually know them personally? People living with HIV have their own stories.

When Lily found out that a neighbour, Sarah, is HIV-positive, she started to shy away from her. But one day, she learned that Sarah is also a volunteer who tuitions the neighbourhood children and help out with the needy, and she began to feel guilty for judging her.

Sometimes, we tend to judge someone first instead of take the time to get to know them better.

When we are able to see beyond their HIV status, we realise that they are just like you and I, and they too, have hopes and dreams.

Do you remember a time when someone made a judgment about you and you felt wronged? And you thought that he or she could have spoken to you and find out more about you?

What would you do if you were in their shoes? Would we try to understand the person’s story instead of judging?

NEW Facts about HIV! 1. We now know a lot more about HIV. With the right

medication and support, a person can continue to live a normal life span. HIV is now manageable.

2. It has been scientifically proven that HIV cannot be transmitted by touching, hugging or sharing of food, so there is really no concern about contracting HIV from casual interaction.

3. People living with HIV now live a fairly normal life. Many go on to pursue further education and take on jobs that any of us do, such as being lawyers or engineers, and contribute to the economy. They also give back to society, such as by doing voluntary work.

4. When people living with HIV have an opportunity to be understood and accepted, we see their health and mental well-being improve tremendously. Their relationship with their family and friends also grow stronger and closer.

The power to change is within us to open our hearts to learn about the lives of people with HIV and to embrace them with kindness.

When my friend told me that he is HIV-positive

When Zhihao told me that he is HIV-positive, I was shocked. Zhihao is a good-looking young man and is active in sports. In fact, many people look up to Zhihao because he always seemed so accomplished.

Zhihao told me that when he first found out about his HIV positive status, he was disappointed with himself. However, when he learned from his doctor that with medication, he would still have a long life ahead of him, he decided to look ahead and plan for his future.

Zhihao has a good career as a businessman. He also spends his free time volunteering. He would run support groups for other people living with HIV to encourage them to think positively, and to believe in themselves and remain strong.

Now, when he meets people who know that he is HIV-positive, he would take the opportunity to share with them about HIV, to let them know that people living with HIV can continue to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

When others see how he continues to stay strong and live his life well, they have a newfound understanding of people living with HIV.

I have gained new respect for Zhihao. He continues to believe in life and live his life to the fullest. And this motivates me to want to do better for myself.

A Family’s Love and Acceptance

When Farah found out that she was HIV-positive, she informed her husband, Tim, and her sisters. Farah’s relationship with Tim hadn’t been good and they had been sleeping in separate rooms for the past few years.

When Tim knew, he didn’t get angry. Instead, for the first time in years, he held her arm and told her that he would be there to support her. Her sisters were initially shocked by the news and cried, but they hugged her and told her that she could always ask them for help if she needed to.

Farah’s doctor had suggested that she start on medication, so that she can continue to live a long life. However, as Farah couldn’t fully accept her diagnosis initially, she didn’t take her medication regularly.

Farah focuses her attention on taking care of her 4 children. She is a very caring, loving and devoted mother and her children love her very much.

Since her diagnosis, Farah and Tim started talking more and grew closer. One day, he told her, “I realise that, after all this, I treasure you a lot. I want you to stay well, so that we can spend more time together.” Her sisters would also text her everyday to remind her to take her medication.

Because of the love that her family showed, Farah started taking her medication regularly so as to stay healthy. She wants to grow old and be able to see her children grow up and achieve success in their lives.

Exercise:

ct

In here, you will find some very inspiring stories, stories that you may find familiar. The only difference is that these are stories of people living with HIV. Living with HIV, as you can imagine, can be a rough journey, especially if people living with HIV have to go through it alone.As we understand the lives of people living with HIV, we realise that they go through life’s ups and downs, like all of us do.Just as we won’t want to go through life’s downs on our own, we can reach out to understand them and the lives they go through.And to show our love and support to them.Read on to learn more about their stories.

What Comes to Your Mind?

When you think of HIV, what is it that comes to your mind? In the box below, write down some of the words and/or phrases that you would think of.

When we think of HIV, we might judge the people living with HIV, just because they are HIV-positive.

But, do we actually know them personally? People living with HIV have their own stories.

When Lily found out that a neighbour, Sarah, is HIV-positive, she started to shy away from her. But one day, she learned that Sarah is also a volunteer who tuitions the neighbourhood children and help out with the needy, and she began to feel guilty for judging her.

Sometimes, we tend to judge someone first instead of take the time to get to know them better.

When we are able to see beyond their HIV status, we realise that they are just like you and I, and they too, have hopes and dreams.

Do you remember a time when someone made a judgment about you and you felt wronged? And you thought that he or she could have spoken to you and find out more about you?

What would you do if you were in their shoes? Would we try to understand the person’s story instead of judging?

NEW Facts about HIV! 1. We now know a lot more about HIV. With the right

medication and support, a person can continue to live a normal life span. HIV is now manageable.

2. It has been scientifically proven that HIV cannot be transmitted by touching, hugging or sharing of food, so there is really no concern about contracting HIV from casual interaction.

3. People living with HIV now live a fairly normal life. Many go on to pursue further education and take on jobs that any of us do, such as being lawyers or engineers, and contribute to the economy. They also give back to society, such as by doing voluntary work.

4. When people living with HIV have an opportunity to be understood and accepted, we see their health and mental well-being improve tremendously. Their relationship with their family and friends also grow stronger and closer.

The power to change is within us to open our hearts to learn about the lives of people with HIV and to embrace them with kindness.

When my friend told me that he is HIV-positive

When Zhihao told me that he is HIV-positive, I was shocked. Zhihao is a good-looking young man and is active in sports. In fact, many people look up to Zhihao because he always seemed so accomplished.

Zhihao told me that when he first found out about his HIV positive status, he was disappointed with himself. However, when he learned from his doctor that with medication, he would still have a long life ahead of him, he decided to look ahead and plan for his future.

Zhihao has a good career as a businessman. He also spends his free time volunteering. He would run support groups for other people living with HIV to encourage them to think positively, and to believe in themselves and remain strong.

Now, when he meets people who know that he is HIV-positive, he would take the opportunity to share with them about HIV, to let them know that people living with HIV can continue to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

When others see how he continues to stay strong and live his life well, they have a newfound understanding of people living with HIV.

I have gained new respect for Zhihao. He continues to believe in life and live his life to the fullest. And this motivates me to want to do better for myself.

A Family’s Love and Acceptance

When Farah found out that she was HIV-positive, she informed her husband, Tim, and her sisters. Farah’s relationship with Tim hadn’t been good and they had been sleeping in separate rooms for the past few years.

When Tim knew, he didn’t get angry. Instead, for the first time in years, he held her arm and told her that he would be there to support her. Her sisters were initially shocked by the news and cried, but they hugged her and told her that she could always ask them for help if she needed to.

Farah’s doctor had suggested that she start on medication, so that she can continue to live a long life. However, as Farah couldn’t fully accept her diagnosis initially, she didn’t take her medication regularly.

Farah focuses her attention on taking care of her 4 children. She is a very caring, loving and devoted mother and her children love her very much.

Since her diagnosis, Farah and Tim started talking more and grew closer. One day, he told her, “I realise that, after all this, I treasure you a lot. I want you to stay well, so that we can spend more time together.” Her sisters would also text her everyday to remind her to take her medication.

Because of the love that her family showed, Farah started taking her medication regularly so as to stay healthy. She wants to grow old and be able to see her children grow up and achieve success in their lives.

Exercise:

ct

Real Stories That Touch Your Heart

My Friend, My Inspiration

When Jason told me that he is HIV-positive, I asked him, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” He replied, “There wasn’t a need to tell you. Would it have made any difference?” Jason was right. It wouldn’t. He is still my best friend, and even if he is HIV-positive, he is still an amazing person.

In fact, Jason is one of the people I respect and admire the most. He works longer hours than anyone I know because he wants to do his work well to benefit the people he cares for. I am sometimes embarrassed that I do not work as hard as he does!.

Jason is also a very helpful person. His co-workers say that he is a good team player. He would put in extra hours to mentor his younger teammates to help them to do their work better.

Once, when a kitten in the neighbourhood where Jason lived was abused, he worked with the neighbours to identify the abuser, and reported the person to the authorities.

Jason is one of the few people whom I know, who is not only successful, but cares deeply for others. He hopes to travel to other countries to use his skills and abilities to help the poor and less fortunate in those countries.

Wherever I think of Jason, I do not think of his HIV status. I think of how amazing he is as a person and I think of how proud I am to be his friend.

Helen was a regular, bright and cheery 17-year-old girl who had many friends. She studied hard and did well in school. Slowly, she started losing her friends and in the end, she took her own life. She would have a great future in front of her if she was alive.

No one knew why she ended her life. But the suicide had actually came shortly after her friends knew that she was HIV-positive. People’s discrimination and judgment can change everything. It cut short Helen’s life and the bright future that she might have.

Choosing to focus on that one point – HIV – changed the course of someone’s life.

But we have the power to not allow this to happen to someone else. We can choose to see someone as a whole person – for who they are.

Sometimes, when we do not know a person, we will judge them based on one aspect of who they are. But, do we want people to judge us based on just one aspect of who we are? We know that we a complete person and we want people to see that. So, maybe we need to learn to see that of others too.

If we want people to start to understand us, maybe we can start by understanding them too?

.

startt to dd tand uus,rstaan

The power to change is within us to open our hearts and minds to learn more

about the lives of people living with HIV, so that we can give them the space to live

meaningful and inspiring lives.

To read more, you can go to the campaign website at

www.ttsh.com.sg/powertochange

. s

Real Stories That Touch Your Heart

My Friend, My Inspiration

When Jason told me that he is HIV-positive, I asked him, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” He replied, “There wasn’t a need to tell you. Would it have made any difference?” Jason was right. It wouldn’t. He is still my best friend, and even if he is HIV-positive, he is still an amazing person.

In fact, Jason is one of the people I respect and admire the most. He works longer hours than anyone I know because he wants to do his work well to benefit the people he cares for. I am sometimes embarrassed that I do not work as hard as he does!.

Jason is also a very helpful person. His co-workers say that he is a good team player. He would put in extra hours to mentor his younger teammates to help them to do their work better.

Once, when a kitten in the neighbourhood where Jason lived was abused, he worked with the neighbours to identify the abuser, and reported the person to the authorities.

Jason is one of the few people whom I know, who is not only successful, but cares deeply for others. He hopes to travel to other countries to use his skills and abilities to help the poor and less fortunate in those countries.

Wherever I think of Jason, I do not think of his HIV status. I think of how amazing he is as a person and I think of how proud I am to be his friend.

Helen was a regular, bright and cheery 17-year-old girl who had many friends. She studied hard and did well in school. Slowly, she started losing her friends and in the end, she took her own life. She would have a great future in front of her if she was alive.

No one knew why she ended her life. But the suicide had actually came shortly after her friends knew that she was HIV-positive. People’s discrimination and judgment can change everything. It cut short Helen’s life and the bright future that she might have.

Choosing to focus on that one point – HIV – changed the course of someone’s life.

But we have the power to not allow this to happen to someone else. We can choose to see someone as a whole person – for who they are.

Sometimes, when we do not know a person, we will judge them based on one aspect of who they are. But, do we want people to judge us based on just one aspect of who we are? We know that we a complete person and we want people to see that. So, maybe we need to learn to see that of others too.

If we want people to start to understand us, maybe we can start by understanding them too?

.

startt to dd tand uus,rstaan

The power to change is within us to open our hearts and minds to learn more

about the lives of people living with HIV, so that we can give them the space to live

meaningful and inspiring lives.

To read more, you can go to the campaign website at

www.ttsh.com.sg/powertochange

. s

Real Stories That Touch Your Heart

My Friend, My Inspiration

When Jason told me that he is HIV-positive, I asked him, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” He replied, “There wasn’t a need to tell you. Would it have made any difference?” Jason was right. It wouldn’t. He is still my best friend, and even if he is HIV-positive, he is still an amazing person.

In fact, Jason is one of the people I respect and admire the most. He works longer hours than anyone I know because he wants to do his work well to benefit the people he cares for. I am sometimes embarrassed that I do not work as hard as he does!.

Jason is also a very helpful person. His co-workers say that he is a good team player. He would put in extra hours to mentor his younger teammates to help them to do their work better.

Once, when a kitten in the neighbourhood where Jason lived was abused, he worked with the neighbours to identify the abuser, and reported the person to the authorities.

Jason is one of the few people whom I know, who is not only successful, but cares deeply for others. He hopes to travel to other countries to use his skills and abilities to help the poor and less fortunate in those countries.

Wherever I think of Jason, I do not think of his HIV status. I think of how amazing he is as a person and I think of how proud I am to be his friend.

Helen was a regular, bright and cheery 17-year-old girl who had many friends. She studied hard and did well in school. Slowly, she started losing her friends and in the end, she took her own life. She would have a great future in front of her if she was alive.

No one knew why she ended her life. But the suicide had actually came shortly after her friends knew that she was HIV-positive. People’s discrimination and judgment can change everything. It cut short Helen’s life and the bright future that she might have.

Choosing to focus on that one point – HIV – changed the course of someone’s life.

But we have the power to not allow this to happen to someone else. We can choose to see someone as a whole person – for who they are.

Sometimes, when we do not know a person, we will judge them based on one aspect of who they are. But, do we want people to judge us based on just one aspect of who we are? We know that we a complete person and we want people to see that. So, maybe we need to learn to see that of others too.

If we want people to start to understand us, maybe we can start by understanding them too?

.

startt to dd tand uus,rstaan

The power to change is within us to open our hearts and minds to learn more

about the lives of people living with HIV, so that we can give them the space to live

meaningful and inspiring lives.

To read more, you can go to the campaign website at

www.ttsh.com.sg/powertochange

. s