About BeeHiv+
Uniting Community, Inspiring Hope Beyond Stigma
My Story
BeeHiv+ was born from the courage of Marie Niles, a devoted woman of faith diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and living with HIV+. After receiving a prognosis that she might not make it very long, Marie chose to use every moment she had left to raise awareness and bring hope to others in need. In 2025, she founded BeeHiv+ in Arizona, guided by the belief that faith, when put into action, can save lives
Marie Niles
I was going in for a routine Pap smear when I received the news about my health. I was devastated and in absolute denial. The HIV+ diagnosis was harder to accept than the news of cancer. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and didn’t want anyone to know. I felt hopeless—like I had nothing left to fight for.
But clearly, that isn’t the case. HIV is no longer a death sentence.
I’ve worked in healthcare for over 25 years, and yet I was completely ignorant about HIV treatment and prevention. From where I stood, it was always seen as a “homosexual disease”—never marketed to or framed for women or heterosexuals. I was in complete shock.
Once the reality set in and I began educating myself, I was amazed by how much I didn’t know. For example, I had never even heard of PrEP—the fact that you can take a pill to prevent HIV infection was completely new to me. I’ve spent my entire adult life working in surgery. I was a subject matter expert on many things, but clearly not this.
Let’s be real: I’m sure many of my former colleagues would agree—I absolutely would have been on this medication, given the nature of the work I did. I can’t tell you how many times I was stuck by a needle during surgery and simply hoped the patient wasn’t infected with anything. That being said, I had multiple HIV tests over the years—it wasn’t uncommon.
Since becoming sick, I’ve spoken with ER nurses who also had little to no education on this topic. I can’t name a single notable woman who has publicly come forward as HIV positive.
And to answer what you may be wondering—I did not become infected through my work. I was infected by a man I was dating, who did not disclose to me that he was HIV positive.
I understand the meaning of making time precious, as I lost my oldest son in 2020. It was a devastating reminder that tomorrow is not promised. At that time, I could only imagine being able to reach out and touch as many lives as my son did in his brief 24 years of life. Little did I know, I would absolutely have that chance. Never did I expect it to be in this capacity.
I’ve learned firsthand: when life gives you lemons, add a little honey and make yourself some lemonade.
Why a Faith Connection?
BeeHiv+ is proudly faith-friendly and spirituality-driven. We partner with churches because we believe the church can be a powerful sanctuary of acceptance, healing, and hope for those affected by HIV.
Faith in Action
Historically, churches haven’t always been open about HIV due to stigma – but God doesn’t judge, so why should we? Today, more faith communities realize that caring for people with HIV is part of their calling. Our partner church provides space to meet, pray, and sing. With the help of leaders like Pastor Lisa Cimino, faith becomes a tool to break down stigma and build bridges of understanding.
Mission & Values
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Empowerment: We uplift individuals to live full, joyful lives beyond diagnosis.
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Education: We normalize HIV awareness through inclusive, culturally sensitive outreach.
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Collaboration: We unite faith, medical, and community partners in a hive of healing.
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Spiritual Uplift: We use prayer, testimony, and song to offer hope and connection.
Our Team
BeeHiv+ is led by a diverse team of advocates – including the founder, Marie a woman living with HIV (retired healthcare provider), her husband Glen (whom does not have HIV), The Beekeeper, Pastor Lisa Cimino, our Queen Bee and her husband Michael Cimino who’s just here for the “honey”, along with community organizers – all united by a passion for our cause. We’re a blend of professional expertise and lived experience. Our board includes both medical experts, musicians, and a non-denominal church pastor, and local business owners ensuring we stay true to best health practices while remaining compassionate and grounded. We also rely on volunteers (our “Worker Bees”) to bring our programs to life. From organizing events to packing outreach materials, our volunteers are the hands and feet of our mission. Interested in joining us? We always welcome new hearts and hands to the team – because BeeHiv+ isn’t just an organization, it’s a family and a faith community.
“Making a Joyful Noise” – The Power of Music in Healing
Music is at the soul of BeeHiv+. Glen Niles - is a world traveled Steel Pannist, Music teacher in schools/private lessons, as well as, a business owner that provides DJ service to corporate events. We believe that when words alone cannot break down walls of stigma or fear, music can. Our music program is inspired by the rich tradition of Carribean Steel Drum ( or as they back in Trinidad Steel Pan) music being a source of strength in hard times. Music has long provided comfort and hope to those facing illness or adversity At BeeHiv+, we tap into that healing and transformative power of song to uplift those affected by HIV and to educate our community in a joyous way. There is something profound that happens when you hear the sweet sound of steel. – barriers fall, hearts open, and a message of love finds its way in. One of our routes of advocacy is through music. .