Today I am 48 years old, and I found out that I was infected with this incurable virus at the age of 43. I have been blessed to have access to services here in Portland, Oregon. CascadeAIDS Project has been helping me ever since I was diagnosed.

My name is Katie, and I would like to introduce you to someone who is a great inspiration to me. His name is Will, and he is my son. Will was born almost eight years ago. At birth, Will was just like any other baby. But as Will began to grow, we knew something was wrong.

When I hear of the budget cuts being proposed in Washington D.C., I can't help but think of a young abused pregnant mother who fled a domestic violence situation with her two year old son. Her case exemplifies how the Emergency Food and Shelter Grant (EFSG) is helping provide safety as well as the basic needs for survival.

Vicki is a former resident of Amethyst Place, a transitional living facility in Kansas City, MO, for women recovering from addictions. She has remained drug free and set herself on a path to a career in medical billing through the assistance of several federal programs.

My story starts as a working taxpayer just trying to make a living and reach the American Dream, knowing firsthand the difficulties we are facing in this economy. I'm the single parent of my eight-year-old daughter, Theresa.