Michigan Dolls (Click here for the '07 Conference Dolls)
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 Artence Rena CulverBirth date: January 10, 1965 HIV Diagnosis: Unknown Title: An American Woman "Social Security takes too long." "Please heal me Jesus, Amen" "Because I get too tired and feel too weak." "And cure all the HIV and AIDS victims." "And I still get depressed because I want all my music recorded." "I don't want to be a failure God." Ms. Culver is an African American woman who lives in Detroit and is a member of a support group for women. |
 Selvey E. HallBirth date: 1959 HIV Diagnosis: March 1990 Title: Angels Watching Over Me My sisters, love yourselves, believe in your instincts And realize we can trust no one 100% My risk factor was that I fell in love and trusted someone With my life and failed to protect myself. If you have apprehensions of your mate's sexuality - listen to your heart. We are responsible for our own behavior and choices in life. Ms. Hall is an African American woman who lives in Pontiac, MI. She is an activist and educator throughout MI. |
 Kathy Gerus-DarbisonBirth date: December 7, 1957 HIV Diagnosis: 12/8/1985 AIDS Diagnosis: 2/1992 Title: Bound She symbolizes all the important things and people who have made her what she is today. She is naked, vulnerable. Except for the ever-present BIOHAZARD. The wild, colorful hair represents her many moods, fears and feelings. Her mouth speaks of AIDS Awareness. Around her neck and shoulders are the people who love, support and nurture her. In her arms she holds her daughter who has witnessed everything. She is bound and tied by events of the past and present. The bed signifies the place where HIV entered her life. The red box is filled with her husbands ashes and bloodstone speaks of his hemophilia. The mirror symbolizes the reflections of society. Kathy is a white, suburban woman from Metro Detroit. She is a mother, widow, daughter, aunt, sister, new wife, and an AIDS activist and educator. |
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 Lisa D. Taton-MurphyBirth date: February 21, 1959 HIV Diagnosis: July 26, 1990 Title: Faith Faith is the name I have given this doll because to live life on a daily basis with this disease, you have to have faith in all sorts of things - Your own strength, wisdom, courage, integrity and sanity. I have lived with HIV for 10 years now, and although I am grateful that there are more treatment options, it isn't a picnic to take all this stuff. These drugs act very differently on women than they do on men, but few studies have been conducted to date to deal with those issues - and like so many other areas of women's healthcare, may never be studied the way it needs to be. As a woman in this epidemic, we are seen as "vectors of disease" - don't you dare think of becoming a mother, because you might infect that baby; don't you dare think of becoming someone's lover, because you might infect that poor man - these are the messages that get drilled in - internally as well as externally. You may ask why Faith is smiling? You live the life you choose - and you can either let all this bullshit get you down or you can wake up each morning, put your best foot forward and hope for love, peace and tranquility to enter your day. And a HUGE sense of humor doesn't hurt either... Lisa Taton is a consultant for the State Health Dept. in MI, as well as an activist, widow, and a champion of the cause that deal with fairness for all persons, regardless of race, or sexual orientation. |
 E.E.Birth date: Unknown HIV Diagnosis: 1998 Title: Goddess of Hope I am a 40 year old African American female who became HIV infected through a sexual assault. I felt my world had been destroyed and felt utterly alone. But through the love of my family and my faith in God and prayer I have a better appreciation for Life. I have learned that Life has lessons to be learned, but if you have not learned from them then Life can pass you by. I have put trust in God that a cure will be found for HIV/AIDS. I also feel that God has some more tasks and challenges he wants me to face before he calls me home. When he does call me home and ask what I have done with my life... I can respond with great joy and gladness that I lived my Life to it's fullest. That's the advice I give to my friends and family - Live Life to it's fullest! The creator of this doll works for a non-profit agency in Detroit. She was a doll maker for many years before learning of her HIV status. She teaches this art to others with weekly workshops at The Children's Museum. |
Lorraine WashingtonBirthdate: February 13, 1947 HIV Diagnosis: January, 2001 Date of Death: November, 2005 Title: Grace (for Gratitude) After being diagnosed 3 years ago, HIV positive. I needed help coping with my family. I was afraid, angry, lonely, and depressed. I joined a women’s support group through Wellness AIDS Services, Inc. in Flint, Michigan. Feeling as though you are the only one in the world who is going this makes matters worse. So they helped me by putting me in touch with others in my same position and by keeping me up to date on helpful information about our disease. Support groups can offer important help by allowing you to blow off steam in a safe place where others have gone through what you are going through. And accept you without being critical. Ms. Washington is a white woman who lived in Flint, Michigan. |
Alice R.Birthdate: June 16, 1924 HIV Diagnosis: Unknown Guarduan Angel of Life Getting an HIV test is a win-win situation. If the results are negative - you win. You know to continue safe sex. If the results are positive - you win. You know to seek treatment immediately. Alice is an African-American woman living her life to the fullest in Detroit, MI |
A.Birthdate: Unknown HIV Diagnosis: Unknown Title: "Motherhood HIV" A. is an African American woman who lives in Detroit, Michigan. She is a member of the Children's Immune Disorders Womens Support GroupM |
A.M.
B. Wilson
Catherine Stephens