‘I Contracted HIV On My Wedding Night,’ City Woman Narrates Her Ordeal.

We always rise above any adversity. And Renee “LadyByrd” Burgess-Benson has been sharing her story of contracting the HIV virus from her husband on the night of their wedding at 24 years old.

Ten years later, she has moved on.

Renee posted on her Instagram: “10 years ago on this date was the first time I was exposed to his HIV. Before this date we had NEVER had unprotected sex. I was very adamant about it. Your wedding night is the time to consummate the marriage. Well my wedding night we did that but he also knowingly exposed me to his HIV.”

She continued, “I trusted him with my life and he took my life into his own hands and chose to lie in the most explainable way! From that trip to the doctor when he said his HIV test was negative, to his mom telling me to ask him about HIV and he saying he didn’t know what she was talking about just days before the wedding, to having unprotected sex with his WIFE on our wedding night, to the doctor telling me that I WAS HIV POSITIVE, to me finding out about other women and possibly men he was sleeping with, and ALL THE WAY UP TO SENTENCING he lied! when the judge said, “we have you on a recorded conversation admitting that you had HIV since 2002″ the lies stopped! I was 24 years old on this day August 4, 2007 and on this day my body was introduced to HIV.”

Here are some reactions to her inspiring story.

nobellybutton: May God bless you and shower your with more blessings. You are strength ❤️🙏🏼

angelamitan: Oh my god your story just broke my heart deep. I’m so sorry stay strong and thank you for bringing this awareness I will keep this in mind next time I’m in a relationship to be careful not to trust a man. Stay strong sis

judifine: Awww, He ought to face the law and it’s wrath. This is deception. Dear ladybyrd, I can perceive you’re a strong woman. Please fight and live. You deserve to be happy and happiness will not elude you. #IStandWithladybyrd.

vitaduvalsfinest: Don’t let this day keep you down! From this day on I’ve seen you become a wiser and amazing person. You have encouraged others including myself how not to put ur trust in man! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

sweetstickything: You are a brave and remarkable woman. I don’t know you personally but you are definitely an inspiration to share your story and courage with the world shows just how beautiful you truly are. I pray that beautiful things continues to happen in your life. And continue to keep your head held high and stay beautiful my sista👍🏽❤️😍

dreamsdocomtrue: Wow ur such a beautiful person inside and out thanks for sharing your story cause these young ppl r out here thinking that nothin can happen to them cause this has to b a disease that only happens if ur sleeping around with alot of ppl ur bravely is incredible and keep pushing sister God has everything in control sweetie.

babynursemnn: Thank you so much for sharing your story. There are many women out there just like you that contracted HIV from their husbands. It’s stories and brave women like yourself, that can have a major impact on others lives. I pray that you are doing well and stable on meds. God bless you.

heartsdesire_5: I’m so sorry this happened to you. Words can’t explain how strong of a woman you are. Thank you for sharing this and opening shut eyes to how serious it is to always get tested and have your partners tested beforehand as well. Be blessed!
justgigiPrayers to you queen. You’re as strong as they come. Thank you for sharing your story
she_is_mjbGod bless you😘

ladonnawelby: God is using you to be that beacon of hope, that light in darkness!!! I lost my step father to AIDS, and could have lost my mother (who already had sickle cell). But thank God my mother was spared, and she was able to continue to raise my brother and I. My husband left me (after 10yrs of marriage) recently, but wanted to continue to be intimate, and like a fool I was gonna go along, until my kids made me aware that he was talking to someone else. Now I don’t know if he was sleeping with her, but that was a WAKE up call. I will not put my life in jeopardy for a few minutes of pleasure. I have 3 children to raise. As married women, you should get tested every year, along with a PAP, etc. Now I’m going to invest into some toys and batteries!!!