Being diagnosed with a life threatening disease is not easy to handle.  While researchers continue to make strides in treating, prevention and finding a cure, the HIV infection rate continues to climb. Eighty-three percent of new diagnoses are among women from heterosexual contact. Yet some of the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS still remains.

Derek Orellena knows this all to well and being Latino does not help. Yet Orellena, 44, has a positive attitude, improving both his health and lifestyle since his 2005 HIV diagnoses. He says in the Latino community being gay it is still taboo. And being Latino adds another dimension to being HIV Positive.

Prior to his diagnoses, Orellana, a Senior Financial Analyst at US Airways, worked out at the gym occasionally, but was not an enthusiast by any means. It felt more like something he was suppose to do then wanted to do. 

As a result of his status change he asked himself "What ways can I improve my health and incorporate things into my lifestyle I did not have before?"

“Any physical exercise that one incorporates into daily life or their routine, it really affects your immune system in a positive way,” said Orellana. “So it can help fight anything that comes its way. It strengthens your immune system. How can I help my immune system fight the virus on its own aside from the medication I was taking? Right away I was put on a regime.”

He looked at the big picture assessing his life when diagnosed. So five years ago he joined the Board of Southwest Center for HIV and AIDS formerly known as Body Positive.

“I began to think of my life and what I wanted to do with it and how could I help others,” said Orellena. “Board membership introduced helping others into my life. People volunteer in many ways and that was my way of contributing to the community.”

At first after diagnoses he increased his outings to the gym. Then three years ago he took up running. He sought out groups and became a member of Arizona Frontrunners, a running group for the Gay and Lesbian community. He also joined Desert Adventures. They participate in lots of outdoor activities. Their slogan  “Out of the bars and under the stars.”

He encourages anyone diagnosed to seek out these groups and advises to look into do something good for your body.

"Running is for me," he says.

He and all his Arizona Frontrunner friends will be running or walking the upcoming 3rd Annual AIDS Walk and 5k in downtown Phoenix on October 3.

“Running has become an integral part of my life,” said Orellena. “Now I can not go without running. It becomes part of you. My doctor was very excited I had incorporated running but he was most excited that I had a great attitude towards it. Emotionally and physically it is very good for the body.”

And test results proved it. His T-cell counts improved and he has not had to stay home with a cold since starting to run.

A potentially devastating disease has had a positive impact on his life.

“It is sad, but it takes a life changing event to change an individual,” said Orellena. “It has been a life changing path and I don’t see all these outdoor activities as something that I have to do but things I want to do.”

His first half marathon was the PF Chang’s Rock and Roll Marathon in January of 2009. After the Aids Walk and 5k, he plans to run the 2011 California Triple Crown, three half marathons: Carlsbad, LaJolla, and America’s Finest City (San Diego).

“When you are in a place where your mind and body are in unison your physical organs follow right along with it, said Orellena. “Taking care of your body, your mind and emotions follow. I am happy to follow the path I did. Taking care of oneself should be a priority.”

His advice to others: never give up. And a favorite quote of his is "Shoot for the moon.
Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."