More Than This by Addie Lane

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I can’t live with this. If this doesn’t kill me, I sure as hell will.

At the age of twenty-three, Addie Lane was diagnosed with HIV, with very little understanding of the realities of what that would mean for her life. From isolation and terror to acceptance and advocacy, Addie has been on a decade-long journey to healing both physically and emotionally.

When most people think of HIV and AIDS, they might remember a terrifying television ad from the 1980s that instilled fear into the lives of many Australians, and the prejudice and stigma that surrounds the virus to this day.

In writing this book, Addie hopes she can share the gift of her story with others, contributing to a world of more education, understanding and open-minded compassion around HIV.

With honesty and self-reflection, Addie attempts to answer a series of frequently asked questions about what it’s like to live — and thrive — as an HIV-positive person in Australia.

No one left behind

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. Read more →

I can’t live with this. If this doesn’t kill me, I sure as hell will.

At the age of twenty-three, Addie Lane was diagnosed with HIV, with very little understanding of the realities of what that would mean for her life. From isolation and terror to acceptance and advocacy, Addie has been on a decade-long journey to healing both physically and emotionally.

When most people think of HIV and AIDS, they might remember a terrifying television ad from the 1980s that instilled fear into the lives of many Australians, and the prejudice and stigma that surrounds the virus to this day.

In writing this book, Addie hopes she can share the gift of her story with others, contributing to a world of more education, understanding and open-minded compassion around HIV.

With honesty and self-reflection, Addie attempts to answer a series of frequently asked questions about what it’s like to live — and thrive — as an HIV-positive person in Australia.

No one left behind

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. Read more →

Kind words

“This made me cry. I don’t know anyone living with HIV, but I do remember the ads in the ’80s. I would recommend this book to everyone.”

~ Deborah, reader.

*****

From the author

"More Than This is my story, but Addie Lane is a pseudonym. I decided to write this book using a pseudonym because at this point in my life, I feel that I need to keep a little bit of distance from my story. For years, it felt like HIV was almost the biggest part of me, to know me was to know that I was living with HIV, but that is not where I am currently at. I am so beyond grateful to have the opportunity to share my story, I am not ashamed of it, my HIV status is not a secret, but I also don't want HIV to be the first thing that people think of when they see my face, or hear my name.”

*****

From the publisher

“HIV was the first topic to be added to the list for The Mini Collection. Why? Because it was something so far removed from my experiences, and until recently, I did not know — openly — a single person living with it.

What was once viewed and experienced as a death sentence is no longer the case for all; it is a virus that is highly treatable, and the stereotypes associated with who can contract HIV need to be discussed — HIV doesn’t discriminate.

At the age of twenty‑three, Addie Lane was diagnosed with HIV, with very little understanding of the realities of what that would mean for her life. Addie has been on a decade‑long journey to healing, both physically and emotionally.

She has been living with HIV since 2012, and in the years since her diagnosis, Addie has worked to educate people about HIV and to tackle the stigma associated with the virus.

In writing this book, Addie hopes she can share the gift of her story with others, contributing to a world of more education, understanding, and open‑minded compassion around HIV.

With honesty and self‑reflection, Addie attempts to answer a series of frequently asked questions about what it’s like to live — and thrive — as an HIV‑positive person in Australia.”