Denise Wozniak

Between 1993 and 1994, Denise was told she had preeclampsia; gave birth to her daughter by cesarean section; was laid off her job during pregnanacy leave, found out her six month old daughter had AIDS and was diagnosed with HIV herself from a partner she had five years' previously. She was mistakenly removed from all insurance and had to hire a lawyer to help get her disability and life insurance back. Denise went on to have chronic PTSD after her daughter died at 9 months of age. In addition, Denise was told that she may only live for a further five years. The new HIV "drug cocktail" introduced in 1996 saved her life and she went on to become a leading speaker on HIV and her battle with PTSD. Denise shows how photography helped her have an appreciation of life and was instrumental in tackling her PTSD. Denise also discusses dating and ageing with HIV. Denise lives in Vancouver, Canada with her new husband, who is not infected with HIV.