Planting Seeds..

Previously posted at The Body.

My first clear memory of AIDS is not quite 30 years ago. But I can say I’ve seen the evolution of the care of those living with HIV/AIDS over the past 20 years. I recall in my early years of medical school, doctors still debating on whether they would operate on an HIV patient. Then there was the near farcical ritual of hospital staff gowning up to just enter the rooms. Even though AZT was on the market, the “deathwatch” that seemed to pervade the room. All the while, in the back of my mind I knew this was wrong. It became personal in two ways. The first was when my cousin passed. I had noticed him gradually losing weight, etc. But it didn’t dawn on me he was dying of AIDS. He was a close cousin, just spending time with him was all that mattered. Evident when he made a point to take me out for my birthday four months before he passed. Even now, many of my efforts are in memory of him. The second moment was when I applied for life insurance as a surgery intern and it was “highly” recommended I get an HIV rider to “protect” myself. I kept asking myself, was I really at risk? I understood the necessary precautions, but where was the common sense approach? It was that time, holding the hands and sitting in the rooms of many patients that I made the choice that there has to be a better way to treat those who are HIV positive with dignity, humanity, and respect that we are now witnessing.

This article was originally posted at www.thebody.com as a part of their World AIDS DAY series of blogs, articles and reflections. I am reposting here to share with our Aniz audience.

In my 14 years as Founder/CEO of Aniz, Inc., it has not been uncommon to see a grandmother, mother and daughter, all HIV positive, in one or another of the multiple treatment programs offered by Aniz, Inc. In some cases, each of the women believed she was the only HIV-positive member of the family. (more…)

Today was the first day of sessions for the HIV Research Catalyst Forum. It must be said the most rewarding part of the day was seeing the diversity of advocates for improving the research for those infected/affected with HIV/AIDS. It is a reminder the faces of HIV/AIDS cannot be reduced to a label, a target population, a lifestyle. Everyone has a voice and everyone matters. (more…)