There are a number of life threatening illnesses and diseases in the world today, with HIV/AIDS being among the top list. Sometimes, people don’t die as a result of these diseases but from the fear of having them.
The biggest worry for people with regards to having a long-term illness was that they would become a burden to their family, a concern that superseded fear of dying. Untreated illness anxiety disorder can eventually cause you to limit your life activities due to your fears.
However, proper public awareness for people living with these illnesses can go a long way in helping them to manage them. Despite the fact that some people have these illnesses, they still managed to go about their normal activities and live happy lives. Some of them even competed in the Olympics and won medals.
In this article, we’ll be looking at famous people who have HIV and are still going about their normal lives.
1) Billy PorterImage credit: vanityfair.com
Porter, who also has type 2 diabetes, was diagnosed with HIV 14 years ago during routine testing. At one point in his life, Porter felt ashamed that his diagnosis made him a statistic. However, with Billy Porter stepping up to be a strong person, it is clear that nothing can stand in his way. Despite living with the disease, Porter has been a star in his entire career, with a number of Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards to his name.
2) Criselda DudumasheImage credit: elegance7.com
Criselda Dudumashe is one of the most famous figures who has been outspoken about HIV/AIDS in South Africa. She opened up about living with the disease in her book, ‘You Are Never Alone: God’s Favourite Daughter’. She was diagnosed with HIV more than 13 years ago and serves on the board of the South African National Aids Council.
3) Earvin ‘Magic’ JohnsonImage credit: scpr.org
On November 7, 1991, the American basketball legend Magic Johnson retired from the Lakers because he was HIV positive. The news was disturbing to the public, especially for a man who wasn’t into drugs or any unusual relationship. For the best part, his wife was HIV negative at the time. More than 20 years down the line, Johnson has committed himself to educating and informing people about the disease, while also working as a successful sports commentator.
4) Musa ‘Queen’ NjokoImage credit: twitter.com
Gospel singer Musa Njoko has also been living with HIV for over 20 years. She was only 22 when she was diagnosed and at the time, there was no treatment available in South Africa. She once mentioned in an interview that she was given a few months to live but has managed to fight the disease for years. Njoko has since then become one of the most prominent voices fighting HIV/AIDS.
5) Charlie SheenImage credit: prevention.com
Actor Charlie Sheen is one of the latest celebrities to disclose his HIV status after an exclusive interview. Even though he learned he was HIV positive in 2011, it wasn’t until 2015 that he publicly came forward about his condition. Since his announcement, Charlie Sheen has been working to dispel the belief that an HIV diagnosis is a death sentence.
All these celebs have managed to live with HIV for over ten years, proving that with a positive attitude and living a healthy lifestyle, HIV (or other diseases) doesn’t have to be the end.
9Naija 