Meet Pie from Aku HIV Positif Blog [RELEARNING LIFE]

I was so inspired at the Empowerment Workshop organized by Malaysian AIDS Council, that I decided to conduct a one on one interview with one of the participant, known as Pie.

After our WhatsApp conversation, we decided to meet at Rumah Wahidayah, Sungai Buloh.

The story was published on Astro Awani's Facebook page, but here are some points that I would like to share with the readers of motivationMY.com!

AKU HIV POSITIF BLOG

Pie is the founder of Aku HIV Positif blog, created less than a month after finding out that he is HIV+. Already married with two children, he said the blog was a way to jot down his experiences "because my family members would eventually know I am HIV+," he said.

Initially he was confused and he didn't know what to do. It was also a period for him to learn about HIV and the treatment available. Apart from expressing his inner feelings, the blog was the perfect medium for him to share his findings.

HIS NEW MISSION 

Within three months, he knew that his blog has become a gathering place for PLHIV. It was more than just a medium for self-expression but now a place for others to seek self-acceptance.

By correcting certain misconceptions he said, "Some people eventually got married. And those who wanted to get a divorce, didn't get one."

From then on, he posted more informative posts.

"From being melancholic in my posts, I now write with facts," he said.

Part of his job with the blog and Positive Warrior Support Group is to answer questions that he may get via SMS and WhatsApp. He would usually try his best to answer all but he has a full-time to focus on as well.

The blog now has almost 900,000 pageviews and have a monthly readership between 20,000 - 30,000.

It won the Red Ribbon Media Awards in the non-traditional media category and this year, a nominee for the Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah awards organized by Malaysian AIDS Foundation.

LOOKING AHEAD 

His next mission is to turn Positive Warriors Support Group into a non-governmental organization. With the NGO, he wants to work closely with religious authorities and for PLHIV to embrace their spiritual path.

He will also publish a book "Aku HIV Positif", a collaboration with Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC).

FIVE LIFE LESSONS I LEARNED FROM PIE

1. We all have our own problems but it's our circumstances that make it different
2. Life life positively
3. If you're passionate about a cause, pursue it from the heart
4. Instead of feeling "kesian", focus on the possible solutions and what can be done
5. Never be afraid to share your story, especially when it could benefit the community. 

MORE INFORMATION

To read Pie's blog Aku HIV Positif, click here.
To read my article on Astro Awani's Facebook, click here.

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