Handmade doll: The Rev. Olive
Part of the Stitches collection.ST-CAN-RE-0007
Stitches

The Rev. Olive

Rev. Olive Esseltine MehargCanada, Canada

The story

I have cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and high blood pressure. I bleed from my spleen and bowel. I live on $23 after bills are paid. This is for gas, food and personals, so I don’t eat very well. I was sexually assaulted by one clergy and raped by another. My husband has schizophrenia and tortured me to demand I swear "that there is no God". Violence can’t be mended! It must be prevented!

About this doll
Represents
HIV/AIDS
Birth date
November 6, 1908

Behind the collection

Stitches

These dolls, created by women with HIV/AIDS, show that the disease is one with multiple layers that each woman must peel away in order to live a positive life.

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