MARYSVILLE, Wash. -- Ralina Miller has lived with HIV for more than two decades. Now, doctors study her because not only she has survived, she's thriving.
Ralina was raped at a slumber party when she was 10 years old. Two and half years later she found out she was HIV positive.
"They told me I would be dead in six months." Yet, here she is, two daughters in tow, ready to celebrate Mother's Day. "It's another year I've won the battle, another years I'm around my girls. I'm living my life to the fullest."
Doctors continue to study Ralina. "I produce potent neutralizing antibodies." In fact, her genes and antibodies are being used for trials that will hopefully lead to HIV preventative and therapeutic vaccines.
Ralina's story managed to catch the attention of Phil Donahue when she was younger and most recently Tim McCormack's, a director of the documentary "Rise and Shine."
The short feature tells Ralina's life story. "No matter what people are battling, cancer, HIV, sexual assault, it's a story of hope."
Ralina leaves Wednesday for the National Institute of Health in Maryland. There she will participate in more studies and trials.
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