Living with HIV
My name is Vlad Banulescu. I am 23 years old and I am from Romania.
My story started in 2009, when me and some of my friends were invited to take some free HIV tests. I was very certain about my health so I took it, just because my friends told me so. The shocking news came after two weeks when the doctor told me that I was HIV positive. At first I couldn't believe it, so I went somewhere else and paid for an HIV test, but the result was the same.
My world collapsed
I started the treatment but after three months I decided to interrupt it, because I was feeling perfect so I thought that the medicines were not doing anything. That was probably my worst mistake. In November 2012, I started to feel really bad, so I was hospitalised. In December my world collapsed: because of my decision another disease invaded my body and I was diagnosed with end-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma (cancer).
Nobody was giving me any chance of survival but I started the chemotherapy and after six months of intense therapy I was human again. This was the moment when I met an Award Leader in the hospital and so I found out about the Award.
I have nothing to fear
The Award had an amazing impact on me. Through the Service section I was able to help other people understand more about HIV and how to prevent it or what to do when someone is diagnosed with it. It also made me go back to one of my most loved passions, which is singing, but I must admit that the biggest impact on me was from the Adventurous Journey.
It was a psychological step to take because I had just gone through difficult times when I was hospitalised and I was afraid about the fact that I could not complete this section. This was the time when my ambition and determination helped me again. When the moment to face my fears arrived, I realised that I have nothing to fear, that I am strong, and most of all I’ve survived really bad times so I can make it.
Experience the adventure
And indeed I’ve done it – I was and I still am very proud of myself. I remember when I was on the road in hot weather, listening to my thoughts which were telling me to stop the trip because I felt that I couldn't do it. But I responded with: “Once I have started, I must finish it.” So I didn't stop and I felt so strong.
These moments doing the Award I will cherish them for the rest of my life. It changed me a lot and made me realise that I have so much to give. I am continually recommending it to any teenager that I meet. The Award made me realise that life can be harsh and gives you many obstacles to pass but, if you don’t get on the ride, you won’t experience the adventure of it.
Further information
The Award in Romania
Romanian Award on Facebook
Anugerah Remaja Perdana Rakan Muda (ARPRM) ( Anugerah Remaja Perdana Malaysia ) - The Rakan Muda Development Division of the National Department of Youth and Sports Malaysia ( Kbs Offical ) offers the Award Programme (known locally as the Anugerah Remaja Perdana Rakan Muda) to young people in Malaysia. The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections. Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (‘the Award’) is open to all 14-24 year olds regardless of their background. The Award is about personal development not competition with others. It enables young people to learn practical and social skills that are valuable to their life and career development.
ZAHARRUDDIN ABD MAJID
PENGERUSI (PRESIDENT) : PERSATUAN BELIA DINAMIK BARAT (DINAMIK BARAT YOUTH CLUB)
ADUN BELIA NEGERI SEMBILAN : SEKTOR SUKARELAWAN
PEMIMPIN (AWARD LEADER): PROGRAM REMAJA PERDANA R.MUDA MALAYSIA (THE INTERNATIONAL AWARD)
ADUN BELIA : DEWAN UNDANGAN NEGERI BELIA DUN RAHANG
KPR (PLATOON LEADER) : IKATAN RELAWAN RAKYAT MALAYSIA
JURULATIH BINA INSAN(YOUTH TRAINER):APBM P.DICKSON (MALAYSIAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY)
SETIAUSAHA (SECRETARY) : PEMUDA UMNO CAW. RAHANG, SEREMBAN
BAHG. OPERASI (OPERATION SITE) : MBNNS ( NEGERI SEMBILAN STATE YOUTH COUNCIL)
No comments:
Post a Comment