Through a powerful narrative River talks about her life and challenges. She was diagnosed HIV positive in her last year of college and less than a year later was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow condition listing her terminally ill for the next 16 years.

Through it all she was still able to write 5 books, run a marathon, write, produce, direct and act in a one women show, build a successful lecture career, travel around the world, get married, write a monthly column and live a life that incorporates her values including service, forgiveness and compassion.

She views life 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 will 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."

Rebecca Averill, Bridgewater State College, Director of Student Activities.

"River Huston is one of the few people I have come to know who has truly changed and saved people lives."

Bruce Davidson, Lutheran Aids Ministry of New Jersey.

"River is one of the most powerful speakers I have ever heard, she touched me in a way I have never experienced before!"

Janet Fiorelli, student, Northampton Community College.