“I'm infected with hope.”

In 1995, Maria Davis learned she was infected with HIV. The diagnosis was especially hard on her two children and, due to concern about the public perception of HIV/AIDS at that time, her family decided to keep it a secret.

In 1998, seriously ill, Maria thought her long career in the music industry was about to end.

After hospitalization and beginning treatment with a combination of medications, Maria decided then that it was time to disclose that she had AIDS. And she's glad she did. Today, Maria is doing well and feeling good. She says she's gone from "victim to victorious."

Last year, surrounded by 200 family members, friends and members of her community, Maria walked in an AIDS walk. Her children walked beside her, proud of all their mother has done and will continue to do to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

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