Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Videos
  4. Video Text Alternative — Life Beyond HIV: Shawnte’ Spriggs

Video Text Alternative — Life Beyond HIV: Shawnte’ Spriggs

To view the original video, please see the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program videos

Video/Graphics Audio

Animation showing the logo of the HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program coming into view.

TITLE SLIDE:

Life Beyond HIV

Animation showing the title fading from view.
 

[MUSIC]

Camera view of Ms. Shawnte’ Spriggs. Ms. Spriggs is seated on a couch.

Banner text: Shawnte’ Spriggs. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Client, Writer, Support Group Facilitator, and Advocate

Ms. Shawnte’ Spriggs: I have hope every day for this and we’re starting to have more conversations such as this that gives me future hope for not only my children, but my grandchildren.
Close up camera view of Ms. Spriggs. Ms. Spriggs: The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has made a huge impact on my life. When I first was diagnosed with HIV back in 2010, I actually thought I had to put my life on pause, meaning me being a leader, me being a businesswoman, me going to school… But in all actuality, when I got introduced to the programs, it actually just enhanced my characteristics as a leader. So now, I can not only be an influence in my community but also an impact in my community.
Camera view of Ms. Spriggs. Ms. Spriggs is seated on a couch. Ms. Spriggs: HIV has impacted my life in so many different ways. There were several different rollercoasters with this. Of course, the obvious: You’re in shock. I went through depression badly for the first year but then after that I said, “Hey, there has to be a reason why I’m still here. There has to be a reason why I found out at
this time in my life.”
Close up camera view of Ms. Spriggs.

Ms. Spriggs: HIV actually gave me additional meaning to my life. It gave me depth to my life. It gave me purpose for my life. So now when I wake up, I realize I’m not just waking up for me or my family, I have to wake up for my community and I have to show up with my true authenticity. I don’t have to hide the fact that I have
HIV!

Camera view of Ms. Spriggs. Ms. Spriggs is seated on a couch. Ms. Spriggs: I want to show other wives or other women that you don’t have to live your life in silence. You don’t have to hide this in the closet. Get with community, get around other strong women that’s like you and let’s continue to influence and impact this community. There’s more to us than just our HIV status.
 
Close up camera view of Ms. Spriggs. Ms. Spriggs: Don’t do it alone. There’s no way that you can handle this alone, at least initially. Get with community. Get connected to someone in your local community. Tell a relative, tell a friend and then allow them to help you navigate. There’s so many programs. There’s so much community out there. There’s so much sisterhood, there’s so much brotherhood out there. 
Close up camera view of Ms. Spriggs fades into closing slide. Ms. Spriggs: There’s no reason for you to go do this alone.

CLOSING SLIDE:

For more information on HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, visit ryanwhite.hrsa.gov.

Logo of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
 

[Music]

FADE TO BLACK SCREEN

Date Last Reviewed: