As Catherine Wyatt-Morley recovered from surgery, her doctor brought her a devastating report: "We did a blood test and you are HIV positive."

Catherine, a 36-year old mother of three, was shocked. "No, this cannot be! I've been a faithful wife. I don't do drugs. I don't indulge in any kinds of behavior that result in people getting infected with HIV."

As an African-American, working in a major industrial plant and living in a predominantly white neighborhood, Catherine was no stranger to both racial and gender discrimination. Now she was to learn about the discrimination facing all HIV-positive people.

It would have been easy for Catherine to sink into a state of self-pity and victimhood, but two things ensured this did not happen. The first was her deep religious faith. The second was the friendships she developed with HIV-positive people and a supportive HIV-negative community.

She says, "At times I still struggle with death and dying resulting from complications of HIV and AIDS. I have seen so many friends and clients of my NGO W.O.M.E.N. die. It keeps me mindful of the humbleness we must all exhibit. Tomorrows are not promised to any of us. My ex-husband brought HIV/AIDS to our marital bed. Then I was rudely awakened by life changing health issues and becoming uninsurable in America. Overcoming his ultimate betrayal spearheaded by alcohol and infidelity has been difficult and only happened over time. Forgiveness is a gift."

Catherine chose to pursue a life of action. She became a leading speaker for the National Association of People with AIDS and founded two voluntary organizations supporting HIV-positive women. She produced a documentary, "Reasons to Live: Women, their Families and HIV," and published a collection of letters entitled "AIDS Memoir: Journal of an HIV Positive Mother." She has also been an advisor to the United Nations.

"I could care less about others' reactions to my being HIV positive. My children and I have suffered great losses due to my infection, but living through it made me stronger and more self-confident. HIV has made me take inventory of life and prioritize those things that are important like my children, family, my close circle of friends and most of all my faith. I’ve had to eliminate many unpleasant people and things but even that process has brought me love and a deeper understanding of my place in the bigger picture of God’s plan.

"I am dedicated to the call on my life, service through W.O.M.E.N. to the community, and have a rooted passion, a large knowledge base and eleven years experience living with, not dying from, HIV. Now as rates of new infections in the US, Africa, Russia and the world continue to climb, education is needed more than ever. My inspiration is found in the faces of those whose eyes light up with knowledge after hearing me speak, in the words of an email of the women in Kenya, South Africa, Tulsa OK, and Georgia who has read my book or saw me on television."

Striving daily to do what she is convinced God has called her to do and following his guidance, Catherine devotes her life to educating people about HIV/AIDS and stopping its spread throughout the world.

She encourages others who are HIV+ to "search within for courage, peace, wisdom and not fall victim to feelings of depression. Take charge of your health care and be a pro-active player in the decisions regarding it. Whatever your choices, choose wisely and be empowered by knowledge. Knowledge is the key! Know you are not alone. When the road gets dark and despair is near, think of those things that bring you joy and lift you above the pain."

She also advises those who care for people with AIDS: "Giving care to loved ones with AIDS can be draining so remember to take care of yourself. It is imperative that caregivers take time away from illness for reflection and centering. You can only give care, you cannot wear the illness."

To learn more, visit www.educatingwomen.org.