Anna Fowlkes: Widow, Mother and HIV Positive

June 3rd, 2011 - By Veronica Wells

© Katja Heinemann/Aurora Select (courtesy www.GrayingofAIDS.org)

 

Anna Fowlkes always told her son to “wrap it up” use protection but when it came time for her to do the same, she didn’t follow her own advice. Which is how she contracted HIV at 59 years old. Anna says her story is similar to other seniors who didn’t believe HIV/AIDS was a real threat for them.

But that’s certainly not the case. Today 1 in 10 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients are over 50.

Anna shares her engaging story with MSNBC in the video below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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  • denise

    this jerk knew he was hiv positive and instead of him saying "no" let's do it another time or even carry condoms he chose to purposely infect this lady.

  • Hello

    This story was so sad. I'm glad she woman was able turn her situation around by helping others.

  • hello

    This story was so sad. I'm this woman was able turn her situation around.

  • Consco

    sad to hear that…:(..
    …They already sending out Free test models of iPad 2..but ONLY if you live in United States..i got 2..sent 1 to my mom house & 1 to my dorm..lol http://ht.ly/54Di2

  • Brodie

    I remember being tested after 5 years of inactivity (since 19-24) and being so nervous even after neg results. Even recalling the feeling makes me anxious. Whenever I hear or see and piece this I get very emotional, borderline tears like my heart is breaking or something. To live with that and the stigma that comes with it isn't something I'd wish on anyone. Please share this article with everyone know, especially the young people. This woman is so strong.

    OH GREAT I'm crying now.

  • LaToya

    No matter what age, race, or gender we need to ask before we engage in physical relationships. I am a 26 year old woman and have always gotten tested since I have been sexually active. I commend her for speaking out & not being ashamed; she also mentioned that she has to take responsibility… that is a big word with this disease! People don't take enough responsibility to ASK or TELL their partners. I have 2 very important people in my life & they go on as if they aren't infected… they don't TELL their partners, but then again their partners don't ASK!!! People must take RESPONSIBILITY for their own bodies & health.

  • http://Bossip.com Nene87

    He needs hid @ss whooped. I'm sorry to hear this she a strong woman for trying to help people.

    • mary

      if this was my mother, AIDS would not be what ended this man's life, it would be me. He was wrong. He could have still used a condom but chose not to. She was in the moment, but he was not. Even though she is taking responsibility for her decision to sleep with him without knowing his status, he still should have criminal charges filed against him for knowingly spreading a deadly disease that has alter her life permanately.

  • paris

    I agree with you, its the elephant in the room that we ignore. We hear the warnings but we don’t take heed. We treat sex like it is our birthright to sleep around when it is something so valuble that it should be shared with few or ,if you have the well to do it, one person. I know absitence is not for everyone but being protected and getting tested is. If you are too afraid to suggest getting tested with this person you want to lay with then obviously you don’t feel comfortable with them & shouldn’t be sleeping with them. If you’re afraid they’ll leave you because of it then you have to ask yourself “what are they trying to hide”. Don’t take their word for it that they’re “clean” every new partner is a new test point blank because at they end of the day you suffer alone whether they’ll be there for you or not. Is anyone really worth that risk?

  • AwareLove

    So true. I am amazed at the number of people STILL having unprotected sex. I know a few actually. These are women that are educated, professional women but letting a man hit it raw. smh. There is no damn way. I have not had sex in a while myself. I miss it, but I have to say I have peace of mind knowing I am not being cheated on and put at risk.

    Men and women get tested, wrap it up (even during oral) and communicate to your partners.

  • Chocolate Honey

    I commend her for speaking out. More awareness needs to be made because HIV/AIDS knows no race, age, religion, or sexual preference.

    I am not surprised that there aren't any other comments made for this post. We, black people, like to sweep this issue under the rug and pretend that it doesn't exist.

    If this was a racial post or a post about how Beyonce's style is changing the game, everybody would be throwing in their 2 cents. OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE! WE ARE DYING AT A RAPID RATE!

    • DH1

      Exactly. This is not a case of "what I don't know won't hurt me". In this case, ignorance of your status can be fatal.

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