Whether or not I like to admit it, AIDS has been a taboo subject for many.
This week, I made a stop to visit AIDS Rochester, as part of my agency tour.
I had a chance to learn about some of the programs and even sit down with several clients to hear their courageous stories.
Curtis has been living with HIV since 1985. He has the biggest smile and personality of anyone I have ever met. He holds his head high and never wants anyone to treat him differently because of his disease. Curtis loves telling his story, so that people can learn more about HIV and AIDS, and not be so afraid. That’s his picture to the left.
He is actually doing very well these days. He is down to taking only 5 pills a day compared to the 10 he used to take. For the past three years, Curtis has felt so good that he says he feels like he doesn’t even have the disease anymore.
Treatments have come a long way. The medications that are available in the United States are amazing these days and are really helping people live longer, normal lives.
I learned, on my visit, that poverty and mental illness still plays a huge factor in battling this disease- which leads to more obstacles like homelessness, drug addiction, and criminal activity.
Many people used to assume that it was only gay men who carried HIV. Now, the trend that doctors see is heterosexual white men are the carriers, and they are passing it along to their women partners.
In the 8 counties that AIDS Rochester reaches out to, they have about 650 people they serve.
One of the main programs at AIDS Rochester, which United Way funds, is a wellness program. It supports clients with case workers, and offers classes/lectures on the disease. Clients are able to learn a little bit more about what is happening to their bodies and about how important it is to take their medications.
There is hope for those with this terminal disease. A cure may not be here for some time—but until that day comes, I’m so thankful to know that AIDS Rochester is here to help clients live their lives as fully as possible.
This week, I made a stop to visit AIDS Rochester, as part of my agency tour.
I had a chance to learn about some of the programs and even sit down with several clients to hear their courageous stories.
Curtis has been living with HIV since 1985. He has the biggest smile and personality of anyone I have ever met. He holds his head high and never wants anyone to treat him differently because of his disease. Curtis loves telling his story, so that people can learn more about HIV and AIDS, and not be so afraid. That’s his picture to the left.
He is actually doing very well these days. He is down to taking only 5 pills a day compared to the 10 he used to take. For the past three years, Curtis has felt so good that he says he feels like he doesn’t even have the disease anymore.
Treatments have come a long way. The medications that are available in the United States are amazing these days and are really helping people live longer, normal lives.
I learned, on my visit, that poverty and mental illness still plays a huge factor in battling this disease- which leads to more obstacles like homelessness, drug addiction, and criminal activity.
Many people used to assume that it was only gay men who carried HIV. Now, the trend that doctors see is heterosexual white men are the carriers, and they are passing it along to their women partners.
In the 8 counties that AIDS Rochester reaches out to, they have about 650 people they serve.
One of the main programs at AIDS Rochester, which United Way funds, is a wellness program. It supports clients with case workers, and offers classes/lectures on the disease. Clients are able to learn a little bit more about what is happening to their bodies and about how important it is to take their medications.
There is hope for those with this terminal disease. A cure may not be here for some time—but until that day comes, I’m so thankful to know that AIDS Rochester is here to help clients live their lives as fully as possible.
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