There is a marked difference between Christina Tom's outlook on life between today and when she was first diagnosed as HIV positive in 2007.
In the first couple of years with her positive status, Tom said she didn't see much of a future.
"I felt alone, I felt there was no need to live," said Tom, of her perspective before becoming involved with Positive Living North (PLN). "I didn't realize that there were other supports out there."
Tom now works as a peer support worker with PLN, which provides community programming and services to those living with HIV/AIDS, and said she has a new purpose.
"It has taught me so many different things," she said, noting her work with PLN was her first job. But in addition to the professional skills she has learned, the most important lesson was that Tom wasn't alone.
"Just talking with other members as a peer support workers it's really healed me the same way it's healed them," Tom said. As someone with HIV, Tom can relate to Positive Living North's members in a way that other staff may not be able to and is often called upon to intercede. "So a lot of times I have to step up and talk to them when they're having a bad day and they don't want to talk to anybody and I'm willing to do it, I'm happy to do it and I love doing it."
This year, Tom has been named as the 2014 AIDS Walk for Life Champion, taking place at Masich Place Stadium on Saturday. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies kick off at noon.
The annual walk is Positive Living North's largest fundraiser.
About $10,000 has already been raised for the organization this year from a raffle and last month's gala dinner.
Last year's event raised more than $23,000 locally, said Trevor Lutes, branch manager for the Victoria Street Scotiabank. The financial institution has been the walk's title sponsor since 2008.
Positive Living North has benefited from strong community support since it opened its doors in 1992, said executive director Vanessa West, who wants to see more participants take to the track this year.
Last year's walk featured about 300 people over the course of the afternoon.
"I would like to match that or beat it," said West.
Donations can be made to Positive Living North at 1563 Second Ave. until Saturday and at Masich Place until 3 p.m.
