Stories: Jonathan's Journey

On the morning of his 21st birthday, Jonathan Swain, still tired from working the night before, wipes his face before eating breakfast and taking his AIDS medication. Jonathan received the virus that causes HIV from a blood transfusion when he was born prematurely 21 years ago. He has defied the odds and survived to adulthood and is now engaged to be married and is expecting a child with his fiance in August.
   
Jonathan holds onto the hands of his fiance, Amber Padigimus, while relaxing at home after work at his father's restaurant in Vernal, Utah. Jonathan has survived AIDS when it was considered a death sentence.
   
Jonathan Swain, right, and his wife, Amber, snuggle on the bed while Amber's daughter Alicia Padigimus, 5, rests on Amber's arm at their home in Vernal, Utah.
     
  
Jonathan Swain bench presses at his gym in Vernal, Utah. Jonathan works out as often as he can but his job and his health can interfere. Sometimes he feels to sick to work out.
   
Amber's daughter, Alicia, 5, gives Jonathan his AIDS medication early in the morning at their home. Jonathan lives with his wife, Amber, and her two children, Alicia and Stanley, all of whom are HIV negative. Jonathan says that he likely won't die of AIDS but from complications from the powerful drugs that keep him alive.
   
Jonathan waits on the exam table during his twice-yearly AIDS check-up in Salt Lake City. He is examined to check on his viral load and overall health. Jonathan has practically grown up in doctor's offices and hospitals. He was also a participant in numerous clinical trials that put him at the vanguard in the treatment of AIDS.
     
  
Jonathan and Amber embrace on the floor of their bedroom after a fight. Tensions in the household were high after Amber discovered that she was pregnant. Despite practicing safe sex, she and Jonathan had an accident. Jonathan was terrified at the thought of endangering his girlfriend but was relieved when repeated tests showed that Amber, and her baby, were HIV negative.
  
Jonathan Swain plays with his fiance's children, Alicia, 5, and Stanley, 4, Padigimus, on the trampoline at their home. Jonathan is extremely close to both of Amber's children and acts like both a father and a playmate.
   
Amber's mother Janice Van Tassell, left, Amber and Jonathan bow their heads in prayer before dinner is served at their wedding. Amber's family has been concerned about their daughter's relationship with Jonathan.
     
  
Alicia crawls between the legs of Jonathan in the middle of his wedding ceremony to Amber at their home in Vernal, Utah. Amber's family are devout Mormons and were hesitant to accept their daughter's relationship with Jonathan.
   
Jonathan comforts his wife Amber in the delivery room as she begins to go into labor. Jonathan, who was told that he would die since he was a boy says that he has to live now to take care of his wife and child.
   
Jonathan Swain kisses his baby son, Jett Davis Swain while Amber holds him after he was born at the University of Utah Medical Hospital. Jonathan was the first pediatric AIDS patient in Colorado and against all odds he has survived and now has a child of his own.