PIC: One Dad Wants To Dispel The Myth Surrounding HIV With This Powerful Photo

It’s hard to imagine what someone feels when they’re told they are HIV positive. For some, it’s a private matter, for others, it’s a chance to try and help create awareness so others aren’t affected in the same way. Now one father of three took a bold step, and decided to post about his positive diagnoses on Facebook. Looking to break the stigma of HIV, Andrew Pulsipher wanted to prove that in the age of effective drugs, better treatment, and a better understanding of the virus, people are living long, productive and healthier lives. Andrew from Phoenix was born HIV-positive after contracting it from his parents. Both his parents tragically died after developing AIDS when he was a child and Andrew was raised by his aunt and uncle. The 33-year old met the love of his life ten years ago, marrying Victoria. When they decided to start a family, they looked into fertility options together. Now Andrew and Victoria have three beautiful children – all who are HIV negative after using a special procedure called sperm washing. In a post uploaded to Facebook, Andrew wrote: “I am sharing this with you because for the first time I can be completely honest with myself and others,” he wrote. “This has taken me a very long time to be comfortable with (almost 34 years!). I know HIV has a negative stigma, but that it doesn’t have to and I want to help change that. It is a treatable disease and you can live a normal life with it. I am proof of that. I want to educate people so that we can get past the “HOW you got the disease” to “HOW you are living your life with it”? There are many miracles in the world and I believe my life is one of them. I am not the only one and we all have stories to tell.”