STITCHES Doll Project

Name: Terri Wolters
Birth date: October 14, 1955
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: Angel Unaware

She shows the Christian life
I had always lived.
If my ex-husband (a minister)
and I had never divorced,
I would never have this illness.
But I would rather I had this
and be an example to others.
And, so my 3 sons will always
take precautions.

Ms. Wolters is a white woman who lives in Harris, TX.

Name: Sonya G.
Birth date: February 5, 1963
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "Awareness"

This disease has given me the ability to open my mouth, feel like a super star, change like a butterfly, use all of my tools, study more, find the key to life, be creative, use the phone to call for support, and always stay in touch with my femiminity.

This artist is a Hispanic woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Unknown
Birth date: May 23, 1954
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "Disco Lady"

I was once a beautiful Disco Lady.

Met a man - married him.

He put his dirty hands all over me.

Now I got HIV.

I have to wear glasses cause I'm going blind.

But I still like to party.

I will live with this and not die.

Praise God!

This artist is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Sandra M. Polk
Birth date: February 1, 1960
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "Faith, Hope & Courage"

My faith carried me through when the darkness of this disease took over my body. It was like hiding under a tree and that was not enough. The telephone did not stop ringing. You could have just sawed me in half, put me up for sale.
But nobody wanted me.
After you sawed me in half - to make sure I was dead - unloaded the bullets in me until the gun was empty.
My lips on my face were so big.
I could not tell you enough.
Until one day I remembered that the Lord loves me. No matter what, He thinks I am a rose and when all else fails I can always pray or read the instructions.

Ms. Polk is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Unknown
Birth date: November 1972
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "The Good and the Bad"

In life you have to take the good with the bad. Although my illness is bad I can still find and have good things in my life.
On my back you see some feelings I have on a day to day basis. Some good, some bad. The black gown represents the dark feelings. But in the front you see all the good things I still have or can look to for happiness. You can look to these things also.

...the holidays at home with your kids and family
...a fishing trip
...walking the dog
...counting the start
...calling your friends or a counselor
...keep your heart open to love
...smell the roses

Just live and love life.

This artist is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Amy L.
Birth date: April 19, 1969
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "Grace"

HIV has given me the ability or tools to see life in a different light. To see that the things that are important are stopping to smell the flowers, staying strong, finding support, remembering family and friends, work hard for what you want, and always show love. I know everyone's journey with HIV is a special story and so I have shared mine through the years. I have learned the key to life is a positive attitude, faith and God as your foundation.

This doll was created by a white woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Merrit E. Woleben
Birth date: May 30, 1963
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "Honey" (Show me the money!!!)

When I have to stop working due to my illness, where am I going to get the money I need for Rent? Food? Telephone?
My cats?

When the time comes for me to "retire", how am I going to pay of my credit card bills? My dental care?
"Please show me the money!"

Ms. Woleben is a white woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Gwendolyn Morgan
Birth date: June 13, 1965
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: Knowledge

Upon my journey of life I took an HIV/AIDS test. November 1995 my life changed for the better because the seeds of growth started coming my way. If a person waters their garden, fruit will grow.
If not, it will die.

That is how HIV/AIDS is seeking knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask about the beauty of life, such as: sex, condoms, drugs, etc.
Education is the key!!!

Ms. Morgan is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Jacqueline Pacheco
Birth date: August 31, 1952
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "Pac Women"

Feeling little people inside my body
eating me up!!
Ugly
Sad Wild
Crazy
Cannot find myself
Searching
Destroy

HIV bandit lady.
The good is to help others around the world.
Safe sex.
People around the world, take care
of yourselves.

Ms. Pacheco is a woman of Spanish decent who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Patrice Junell Joseph
Birth date: July 22, 1955
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: Success Story

I haven't given up the the fight.
God has all power. Jesus has the strength, courage and wisdome that I'll inherit since I've given up my will and am seeking God's will for my life.

Ms. Joseph is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Unknown
Birth date: july 14, 1958
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: "Untitled"

I wish I could just take this garden tool and take out all of this disease from my body. I am so tired of taking medicine and doing various laboratory tests. However, by God's grace he has kept me alive for 13 years with this disease. I know He and angels are watching over me.

This artist is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Beverly Shepherd
Birth date: October 31, 1950
HIV Diagnosis: Unknown

Title: Untitled

I am cleaning up my life, taking charge, calling my kids and going back to school so that I can have my kids back with me. Flying like a butterfly on the winds of live with God's help.

Ms. Shepherd is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.

Name: Patricia Clarence
Birth date: August 8, 1947
HIV Diagnosis: Unkown

Title: "Why Me?"

When I learned of the HIV disease, I was sad, unhappy, and kept asking "why me?" But I have learned that Life does go on. With the support of my family and my faith in God, I am able to go through life now with Hope of someday saying, "I am not sick."

Ms. Clarence is an African-American woman who lives in Houston, TX.