Mennonite Central Committee

First Person: Sury Rivera Chavez

From the July/August 2006 issue of "a Common Place"

My name is Sury Rivera Chavez. I am a mother of three. Two years ago, I got very sick. I was experiencing fevers, headaches and diarrhea. My doctor suggested I get tested for HIV.

I had heard about HIV/AIDS, but I’d never known anyone who had it. And I never thought I could have it. I wanted to die when I found out I was infected. My first concern was for my daughter Nancy, that she could also be infected. I was also angry. I was never unfaithful to my husband, and yet I had this disease.

Michael and Nancy, my youngest children, used to get sick more easily than Odayid. I decided to have them tested, and they both have the virus.

The most difficult part of the disease is not finding support or being able to talk to anyone about it. A friend at the Catholic church I was attending introduced me to the Asociacion Nuevo Amanecer de El Salvador. They have a program for people living with HIV/AIDS. Nery (the program coordinator) comes and visits us here at home. I often go to his office when I need someone to talk to. I think sometimes he must get sick of me! I also go to support group meetings. They teach us how to take care of ourselves. They also teach us fun things, like how to make desserts. I feel good because we can support each other there. Sometimes I take my kids, and they get to spend time with other children who are HIV-positive.

I have to trust in God. I try to be at peace with myself and follow what the doctor tells me to do. I’m not on anti-retroviral medication (ARVs), as the doctor says I don’t yet need AIDS medications.

I had a good job at a dentist’s office where I cleaned medical instruments and did other cleaning work around the office. I lost my job when they found out I had HIV. Now I clean at a school. I work 15 days each month and earn $25. My husband earns income by finding part-time jobs as a painter and a watchman.

We would like to get a better house. I don’t like the dirt floors here, as the children often get fungal infections on their skin. But for now, this is what we can afford.