Marvelyn Brown, 21
Nashville
Diagnosed 2003

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To reach 1,000 T cells by eating right and exercising. In 2004, I had 235, and now I’m at 775.

So 2006 offers a fresh start?
The new year isn’t about starting over. It’s beginning a new chapter. 2005 was about getting out there and witnessing stigma. I’m excited about 2006.

Does HIV tax your resolve?
HIV does what you let it do. If you want to overcome, you can. I’m holding my first fashion show at the Ryan White National Youth Conference. It’s called “Positively Beautiful” to show youth they can be positive, beautiful and achieve their dreams.

Click here to read On the Town With Marvelyn Brown: A World AIDS Day Diary.