doTERRA Wellness Advocate Starts a Nonprofit to Help Individuals Infected with HIV

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — In 2011, doTERRA Wellness Advocate Brandy Freeland and her husband adopted a little girl from Eastern Europe. Before adopting, the Freelands knew that their daughter was HIV positive, and soon learned what it was like to raise a child with HIV. Brandy admits, “We were ignorant about HIV previous to adopting our daughter, but once we educated ourselves on transmission, there was no question as to whether or not we should adopt her.”

According to Brandy, raising a daughter who is HIV positive has opened her eyes to how misinformed people are about the HIV infection. Unfortunately, many people are still uneducated about the infection, causing a negative stigma to surround HIV. As she and her family became acquainted with the negative stereotypes surrounding HIV, Brandy felt motivated to help others who were burdened by the stigma that comes with being HIV positive. Brandy got involved in her own community to provide support for those infected with HIV, and to properly educate the community.

With a desire to positively impact the lives of others infected with HIV, Brandy worked with peers to eventually create the nonprofit, Positive Life. Starting in the spring of 2014, Positive Life launched to provide support and resources for those infected with HIV. As a founding member of Positive Life, Brandy helps the organization to provide resources, support, information, events, and other tools that will empower those infected by HIV to live happy, positive lives.

Along with other passionate volunteers, Brandy works to create a better future for HIV positive people. She says, “I love challenging people to think outside the box when it comes to what they think HIV looks like. HIV doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone. When I help remove this stigma, I get to play a part in allowing people with HIV to walk out from under the burden of shame they live with and instead live a positive life full of freedom.”

Working to build a nonprofit from the ground up has been a rewarding way for Brandy to share her family’s story with others, and help those who are frightened, frustrated, or confused by HIV. She says, “I do not want my daughter to grow up in a world that shames her and causes her to hide a part of who she is. That is what motivates me to share our story and educate people about HIV.” To learn more about Positive Life, visit their website.

doTERRA Cares is an initiative through which doTERRA International recognizes and raises awareness for Wellness Advocates who contribute to worthy causes worldwide. doTERRA International is thrilled to share Brandy’s success and service and recognizes her as this week’s doTERRA Cares highlight!