Evelina is full of energy. She runs for enjoyment and she helps teach the kids sport at her local school in Mandela Park, Hout Bay. She also runs marathons competitively, and trained for many seasons under Dave Spence. Her philosophy is that while she is running she can see what’s happening in the world around her without thinking about anything else.

But now Evelina has a new set of challenges to face. She recently found out that she is HIV positive. Instead of shrinking under the burden, she is thinking positive. And she has started climbing mountains, both physically and metaphorically. Although she admits that walking in the mountains for pleasure is very unusual in her community, she says when she starts walking, her mind starts to relax. The fresh air and the ability to be alone in the mountains are things which she cannot find at home in Mandela Park.

Links:

Positive Lives - www.positivelives.co.za

Isicongo - www.isicongo.za.net