The Laurel Foundation

Grissel was 7 years old when she first attended The Laurel Foundation programs. Grissel was infected at birth through a blood transfusion. While at camp she was always very positive and was very open about the disease. Her mother had taught her from day one that there was nothing wrong with her; she just had very special blood. Because of this normalcy, Grissel grew up with much confidence. She spread her knowledge on the disease to her peers at camp and her community. Grissel is now working as a Social Worker and is an active speaker at AIDS conferences around the country, most recently speaking in Washington DC. With the help of The Laurel Foundation, Grissel continues to thrive and set high personal goals, the most recent being to run and complete the LA Marathon.