I became HIV positive in 1982, from a blood transfusion. I’ve been in and out of jail and went to prison two times. I did crack cocaine for 25 years and was homeless for 20 years. I’ve been in recovery for more than 20 years.

What adjectives best describe you?

Hard worker, very determined, very intelligent, lovable.

What are your greatest achievements?

When I graduated from Miami Dade College with a degree in business management. When I graduated from medical school with honors and made the dean’s list. And when I became a clergy preacher.

What is your greatest regret?

Getting on drugs/crack.

What keeps you up at night?

Worrying about family and friends.

If you could change one thing about living with HIV, what would it be?

Being more informed and able to educate more people about HIV.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Take better care of others and myself.

What person in the HIV/AIDS community do you most admire?

Magic Johnson and myself.

What drives you to do what you do?

God and my strong spiritual beliefs. And my family and friends.

What is your motto?

Don’t give up.

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?

My important papers and wallet

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?

I would be a bear... fearless, strong and bold