Elke

Elke, straight, born 1978, HIV-positive since 2009

My name is Elke, I am a mother of two young children and work as a media designer for a governmental institution. I enjoy spending my rare spare time with my family and dog or finding new ways to challenge myself.

The HIV diagnose surprised me in 2010 as I was still living in South Africa – far away from my home at the Lower Rhine and far away from people that could have strengthened my back. I experienced strong support by a Capetonian lady doctor, who offered me contact to other patients – quite like the Buddy Project. By that time, I was not yet ready to meet other HIV-positives, but I felt strengthened by the offer to be able to talk about my diagnose.

After returning home to Germany and a time of personal confrontation with HIV, I decided that I had been ready to share my story with other people. I took up awareness-work at preparatory seminars for young people, who were selected to spend a year of volunteer service in South Africa. The dialogue with these young adults increased my self confidence and helped me to make peace with past ills. Only much later, I came in touch with other HIV-positives and understood that every affected person goes through similar chapters in his/her life and shares the same questions and fears.
Today, I am mainly accompanied by topics such as HIV and pregnancy/motherhood, of course, bearing my own development in mind – but this should not discourage you to contact me, dear gentlemen!

No matter which unanswered questions are presently giving YOU a hard time – I would like to offer my unconditional support and find suitable answers together with you. I am looking forward to your message and a face-to-face meeting.