This is part 9 of a special series focusing on the community of Honoring Our Experience, a program of San Francisco’s Shanti Project, and their work with long-term survivors of the HIV/AIDS virus.
“I think that's the purpose of volunteer work," says Lilian Talero of her work with the HIV/AIDS immigrant community. "We think, ‘I'm going to give my time for free. I'm going to do this for [other] people,’ but all I'm doing is healing. Through the time that I'm giving. Through the work with others. I'm not giving anything. Honestly, we're getting so much."
Lililana Talera immigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area from Bogota, Columbia after her mother's death from endometrial cancer. In the challenging and heartbreaking final years of her mother's life, Liliana was by her side, caring for her through the darkest of times. That loss prompted a crisis for Liliana, a young, single woman who had dedicated her life to her family.
With the help of a few “guardian angels”, Liliana struggled for months to reclaim her life and then, a shocking diagnosis of HIV and her own endometrial cancer brought her to a crossroads. She faced a difficult question. Would she give up and prepare to die or choose life, and the challenges that would follow.
This is the story of that choice. Of Liliana’s courage to face uncertainty, and her journey to find meaning and purpose that would eventually sustain her.
As you listen to this episode, consider:
Liliana speaks of the angels in her life, people who stood by her in her darkest hours. Who are the angels in your life?
How can you be an angel for someone today?
Self care is a priority for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. How do you take care of your own physical and mental health?
Learn more about Honoring Our Experience here.
