A Positive Life
River Huston was diagnosed HIV positive in her last year of college and less than a year later was diagnosed with a chronic, often fatal bone marrow condition listing her terminally ill for the next 25 years. In a powerful narrative she shares her challenges, experiences and hope. Regardless of the physical and emotional difficulties she faced she was still able to live a life that incorporated her values including service, forgiveness and compassion.
She views life's challenges as opportunities for growth. Her ability to find the good in whatever situations arise allows her to live in a state of grace. Her stories open hearts and minds to the possibility of having the life you always dreamed of. Her message is one of determination and perseverance. Her humor gives you the opportunity to laugh at the most difficult circumstance.
River can also share slides from her book, A Positive Life: Portraits of Women Living with HIV. Over the course of four years she traveled the country with photographer, Mary Berridge, interviewing women about their experiences living with HIV in the hopes to break the stereotypes of this still very stigmatized disease.
She views life's challenges as opportunities for growth. Her ability to find the good in whatever situations arise allows her to live in a state of grace. Her stories open hearts and minds to the possibility of having the life you always dreamed of. Her message is one of determination and perseverance. Her humor gives you the opportunity to laugh at the most difficult circumstance.
River can also share slides from her book, A Positive Life: Portraits of Women Living with HIV. Over the course of four years she traveled the country with photographer, Mary Berridge, interviewing women about their experiences living with HIV in the hopes to break the stereotypes of this still very stigmatized disease.
- "River has the true gift of being able to teach while providing laughter.
- "River Huston is one of the few people I have come to know who has truly changed and saved people lives.
- "River is one of the most powerful speakers I have ever heard, she touched me in a way I have never experienced before!"
WHAT THE AUDIENCE HAD TO SAY
“I was part of the audience tonight when you spoke at Brookdale. you're hilarious but moving and serious at the same time. You really affected me especially at the end when you told us when you found out you were HIV+. I think i've stereotyped the victims of HIV/AIDS as always acting and feeling sober and victimized, even though I vaguely knew they were human beings who walk and talk and laugh just like we do. You've showedme how ridiculous it is to judge someone's backgroundor previous actions, whether they regret them or not. I come from a conservative church and a typical asianfamily, but you're a saint in my eyes. your presentation was not too scandalous, in fact, there needs to be more honest dialogue between and amongpeople of all backgrounds. We wouldn't treat each other so much like shit if we did.”
" I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the show and that it had a huge impact in my view of life, things and people. Thank you very much for speaking up!"
" I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the show and that it had a huge impact in my view of life, things and people. Thank you very much for speaking up!"