[Viva] A personal request to all Viva women

[shelly tognazzini]

Dear Margarite,
Wow! Thats a great question.

When I was first diagnosed in 2008 I had no idea I would ever meet the
amazing women I have met.  ViVA provided me with a springboard to
communicate with HIV+ women.  When my Mom died and I felt a piece of my
soul was gone, ViVA women supported me, more than health professionals
could have. At one point in my depression I excluded myself from
everything, including on line support.

Recently I have returned to ViVA for many reasons.  Most of all, because I
missed connecting with other women, both that I know and see in community
(lucky duck to live in Vancouver) and, those I see once at year or every
other.

Considering recent cutbacks in funding, ViVA means more to me now than
ever. We are stronger together, whether miles apart, or live in person. I
believe ViVA fills a huge void for HIV+ women in British Columbia. It would
be a loss to all of us who have listened and learned from each other.

Thank you for asking Margarite! Hugs to all.



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On Sat, Mar 11, 2017 at 2:51 PM, Mary Smith <msmary45 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Margarite - I would like to be more positive with VIVA but with me
> living in Kelowna I'm not able to make any events.  Even for the Gathering
> my plane doesn't get in until later (at least in other years).  I'm still
> waiting for my confirmation and flight times.  Apparently I am on the list
> though.  When I arrive I will come to the meeting and look forward to
> seeing everyone.
> Mary
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 11, 2017, at 1:58 PM, Margarite Sanchez <margaritesanchez at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Hi girlfriends,
> Allow me to pour my heart out...with the changing world of HIV, I am
> questioning if ViVA is still relevant and I'd like to know how you feel.
> ViVA will be turning 10 in April and I wonder if it has run it's course?
>
> ViVA is understated. No one knows about us, we have no funding, no
> infrastructure (other than that provided by Positive Living BC), no
> visibility - basically no one thinks about it, most poz people and HIV
> organizations aren't even aware that it exists. And those that do know
> about it largely ignore it. - And maybe that's ok.
>
> *My questions to you are:*
> *Does ViVA matter? *
> *Does ViVA enhance, or make your life better, in any way?*
>
> If you are receiving this email you are on the Viva Listserv and however
> you feel, your opinion, your voice is important!
> *Everyone* please share your thoughts, thank you,
> Margarite
>
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