October 1999

HIV Child Struggles
for a Chance

“Don’t touch me, I’m HIV; go tell an adult.” This is the response 5-year-old “D” gives if she finds herself bleeding.

She is the only child in the Wichita area living with HIV, the first sign of AIDS, and only one of six children in the state of Kansas diagnosed HIV positive.

“D”s mother, “B”, 25, was diagnosed with the disease just three months after giving birth to her child. The family was referred to ConnectCare for help, a United Way of the Plains-funded agency.

“Ninety-nine percent of the help from ConnectCare has been mental support,” says “B”. "They also helped us get housing through HUD, and food, when money has been tight,” she added.

“We try to make every day fun for her,” she explained as her daughter played with a plastic egg.

“Mom, let’s plant this egg in some hay, so it will grow into a baby,” said “D” with the innocence of a child. Her brightness and energy was in sharp contrast to the jolting facts her mother related.

“She knows what HIV is, she accepts it and is not depressed by it,” “B” asserts. Her daughter has strict instructions on what to do in case of an accident.

Neither mother nor daughter are currently on medication, though they both suffer from lack of appetite and must sometimes force themselves to eat.

How Does She Cope?

“I don’t have a problem living with HIV, but I do (have a problem) when people don’t want anything to do with my daughter,” says “B”. The family has endured death threats posted on their door telling them to “leave the neighborhood in 24 hours or die.”

“The biggest thing I can say to them is to get educated about AIDS and HIV...don’t treat us any different...it’s not her fault.”

“B” has helped ConnectCare educate the public, appearing at World AIDS Day and Art Aid. She also made group presentations at schools and United Way meetings.

“B” and her family live in a single-family home, though ConnectCare provides an assisted living facility in Wichita. ConnectCare also has a drop-in lounge for anyone wanting to learn more about AIDS/HIV and other health-related issues.

Her Future?

“B” says her biggest concern is her daughter’s future. “D” is now enrolled in a magnet school for this fall. “D” interrupted the interview to excitedly ask, “When do I start school?”

“The day after Mommy’s birthday,” “B” replied.

“B” is not reluctant to tell others about her daughter’s condition, if they’re playing with “D” or in other close contact with her.

What does she want others to know about her family? “We’re just like anyone else, we just want a chance to live,” she pleads.

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.