User:Coletta

Tia's Foundation--Who Is Tia? The youngest of 12 children, Tiajuana Kimberly Williams was born January 23, 1967 to Margaret and Edward Williams. She was a fun loving person who enjoyed spending quality time with her friends and she did what was most important to her – taking care of her elderly parents.

In her late teens she met “the love of her life”, Mr. Michael Williams. Their courtship was filled with love and devotion and they were married soon afterwards. In April 1993, she learned that both she and Michael were HIV positive. They both became active in the fight against HIV/AIDS by educating family and friends about the precautions they needed to take in order to protect themselves against the disease.

Tiajuana's wish was that all women get regularly tested for any STD especially HIV/AIDS because she realized first hand that AIDS 'does not discriminate'. Over the years, she was the recipient of a lot of emotional and physical pain due to her illness. Many criticized and ostricized her, talked about what they thought was wrong with her etc but she pressed on--confiding in only her best friend. She became an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention by sharing information with family and friends about the importance of getting tested.

At the age of 33, she succumbed to complications from AIDS. She was survived by her husband, who passed shortly afterwards, their 2 dogs, lots of family and friends. Her presence will be forever missed by all who knew her. Her spirit will forever live on...through Tia's Foundation.

http://www.tiasfoundation.org