Today I am sharing something close to my heart: the story of my son, Rio Mutoni.
When I was diagnosed with HIV, doctors told me I couldn’t have children. But I refused to accept that. So, thanks to antiretroviral treatment, I gave birth to Rio – HIV-negative, healthy, and full of life. He became my reason to fight against this virus and my proof that love and determination can overcome stigma and fear. I raised Rio with care and he grew up to become an amazing young man.
From the age of two, Rio was obsessed with trains. It started with Thomas the Tank Engine and quickly grew into a passion for real trains. He built train tracks out of domino stones and shoes, watched train movies on YouTube, and declared, “Mama, when I grow up, I will be a train driver”. Already in primary school at the age of five, when he had to mention his dream in a school book, he asked me to write down train driver. As we use public transport a lot, whenever we would use a train he would be very happy and paying a lot of attention to every move the trains would make. On his fifth birthday he wanted to visit the train museum and he could already experience a life size train simulation. His whole life he dedicated his passion for trains. His dream never wavered.
As parents we supported him in every way: train simulators, cameras for trainspotting, trips to train museums. His knowledge amazed us. At age nine, he navigated the London Underground better than most adults. And finally, at 19, after two years of vocational training, Rio graduated in July and was hired immediately by the National Railway as a professional train driver. He started driving trains on the first of September, and on the 25th he received his formal course diploma. Of course we were there to celebrate this precious moment with him
His dream came true and we are so proud to have supported him to realise this since a young age.
To parents: learn to understand your child at an early age and support their dreams, not your expectations. Let them be who they are, not who you want them to be. Every child is born unique. Realising their happiness and dreams should be our priority.
To mothers living with HIV: never doubt your strength. You know the connection you had with your baby inside your womb, that love will continue to grow and will motivate you to support your baby. Our love is powerful. Our children are brilliant. We are proudly HIV-positive moms and we thrive.
Rio was born after my diagnosis. I am glad we have been able to do this for our son Rio, and the results certainly paid off. In return for supporting him, he helped me win my battle with HIV. And now, he’s driving trains across the Netherlands, living his dream. I couldn’t be prouder.
Rio, congratulations on realising your dream to become a train driver. You are proof that love and belief in yourself can move mountains.
Peace,
Eliane
HIV stigmafighter 