“In some crazy, radical way, my AIDS diagnosis was the biggest gift I’ve ever received. Until that happened, being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS was my biggest fear in. However, that fear wasn’t enough to ensure I cherished my body and health. A greater motivator was at work. I was a chronic, life-long victim and my self-esteem was abysmal. 

In early childhood, I experienced a lot of trauma and instability. I quickly learned to embody the role of ‘victim’ which, ironically, helped me survive. As I got older, being a victim became a crutch that ultimately held me back. In 2012, with my AIDS diagnosis, I had materialized what for so long I had embodied. I truly became the victim. An insidious, unforgiving virus took hold in my body and laid waste to my immune system…pushing me to life’s edge. 

It shook me to the core and I realized what I did to myself over a lifetime. It inspired in me the greatest change I’ve ever experienced. Today I’m the opposite of a victim.Before my diagnosis I had never picked up a barbell in my life. Now I’m a pro competitive natural physique bodybuilder and a fitness model. “