"Dr. Tim was a man of action, and I hope for my son to grow up to live up to his namesake."
Contridah has been working as a volunteer with Tiny Tim & Friends since 2009. She works in the community to help identify vulnerable HIV+ children and over the years has personally brought over 130 children to TTF for HIV testing, counselling and, where needed, treatment. She came to volunteer with TTF as she heard about our work through one of our community volunteers who lives in the same community as her. "When I first came to TTF and met Dr. Tim, I was impressed. Dr. Tim was a kind person and there few people who would have done the work that he did. He formed a team so that HIV+ children can be healthy and happy. I was impressed by his work and the work at TTF so wanted to be part of that, so that children who have HIV don't have to suffer." | Along with several other community volunteers, Contridah was trained by TTF to identify individuals who were sick or at risk of HIV infection, and to encourage them to access testing and treatment. By talking positively about her own status she has been able to interact with individuals in the community who would not have otherwise accessed services. "I try and help people realize that going to the clinic is better. I can explain how the medicine works and can help people come to terms with their status. By starting on medication you can be fit and lead a normal life. Thanks to the medicine I have been able to have two HIV negative children. "I have always been encouraged by Tim's work, he was a man of action, and I hope for my son to grow up to live up to the name. I would love for my son to help people in the community, like Dr. Tim did. And to help people not to feel alone". |