Research can bring on amazing results for families. In 1992
my niece was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 4. Over the years she has taken
all kinds of medications, has had near death experiences, and has lost her mom
and some friends to this disease. After years of taking medication we were told
they were no longer working and they wanted to try some new medications that
were experimental. My mom agreed to let her take the medicines and each time
she went to the doctor her blood test would always show positive results. A few
years ago after taking the medicine for a while they did more test and tested
her again for the virus and we were told she should no signs of the virus in
her system anymore. Although the
medication had severe side-affects that she rarely experienced the end results
has given her a chance to live a life free of HIV. There is still no cure for
the disease without continued treatment, but this gives us hope that eventually
there will be a cure that does not require the continued use of medications.
Teresa,
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Thank you for sharing such an amazing story! This is definitely a case where the risks seem minimal compared to the benefits. Does she still have to take medication? How often does she have to be checked? What an uplifting story!
I have heard that there have been incredible advances in HIV research lately. It is just incredible to hear a personal story related to this important research. Your family is a perfect example of why we need to ensure that research is properly funded by the federal government.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is such a blessing and inspiring to read. A perfect example experimental medicine working for the greater good. I am interested in knowing if they were able to explain all of the possible side effects ahead of time and if so how did your mom initially feel about the risks vs. benefits.
ReplyDeleteRenata
Teresa,
ReplyDeleteThat is a very powerful story and shows incredible advances in research due to this terrible disease. How old is you niece now? Thank you so much for sharing an amazing story!