Every night before bed, the alarm on my phone reminds of two things. One is to take the pill that helps to keep me alive, and the other is just how incredibly lucky I am to count myself among the survivors of a disease that has claimed the lives of millions, and ravaged millions more. The disease I speak of is HIV/AIDS.
To date, almost 78 million people have been infected with HIV, and of that number close to 39 million have died due to AIDS-related issues. Despite medical advances and life saving medications, in 2013 alone approximately 1.5 million people succumbed to the horrors of this disease and died. Nearly 240 people contract the disease EVERY HOUR. Only a bit more than a third of those living with HIV/AIDS even have access to medications that could help them live more productive lives. I am one of the fortunate ones due to circumstances that were not within my control; namely to be born in an industrialized nation where access is easier than it is for most. Trust me when I say the blessing is not lost upon me, nor many of those even here in the Daily Kos community who live with this disease.
Yet it seems that HIV has fallen off the radar for many here in the United States. Is it because there has been a sharp decline in newly diagnosed cases? Perhaps it is the myth perpetuated by the drug company ads showing that simply taking a pill allows people to scale mountains and bike across deserts as though the monster living inside them just doesn’t need to be taken seriously. Or is it the thought that maybe it really isn’t such a “big deal” anymore, since most newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS in industrialized countries are close to living a full and “normal” lifeas as those not afflicted according to several studies? I suppose it is all of these things, and much more.
Yet even here in the United States, people living with HIV face their own unique sets of challenges. Despite health insurance being within the reach of numbers greater than at any time in our nation’s history, there are still many who fall through the cracks. In many in urban areas, the vicious cycle of homelessness, drugs, and prostitution amongst the marginalized in our society has led to a higher than normal percentage of HIV/AIDS. Thankfully there are organizations in most major cities that work to combat these issues and help those who need us the most. These are people who are someone’s daughter, or son, or parent caught in an awful downward spiral.
One such organization that I am proud to be a volunteer part of is Housing Works based in NYC. From Housing Works own mission statement:
Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts…
…Since our founding, we have provided lifesaving services, such as housing, primary care, job training, and legal help, to more than 20,000 homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.”
Housing Works raises nearly 90% of their funds from their healthcare facility,
Thrift Shops, and Bookstore Café both stocked with 100% donations from the community and volunteers to help run it,
catering for weddings and corporate events, and much more. Housing Works is one of MANY wonderful organizations nationwide, and worldwide doing the tough job of keeping on the front lines and in the streets fighting the spread of this disease and helping to house and educate.
So why do I write all of this in my first diary in a very long time since I’m a better commenter than a diarist? Three reasons:
One is to ask my Daily Kos community for a bit of help honoring such an important group whose work often flies under the radar by giving them a shout out here in one of the best communities on the internet.
Another is to help me honor a dear friend who is running a half marathon to help raise funds for Housing Works. Eric Epstein is a tireless advocate and champion for those afflicted in NYC with the dual scourge of HIV/AIDS and homelessness, and he needs your support.
The link to his CrowdRise funding page raising funds for Housing Works is located HERE. He is more than half way to his fundraising goal of $3000, and I was hoping the kind and generous spirits here at Daily Kos would help him and the 11 Housing Works team runners reach their promise to raise as much as they could to help continue the good works Housing Works performs.
The final reason is more personal.
Bobby and Anthony, you were two lights that shone on the world. Your humor and talent made everyone around you feel like they were in the presence of something amazing, and your humility and loving hearts made those blessed enough to have been in your lives feel special. What could your lives have been had they not been cut short by an epidemic that has taken too many of our brothers, sisters, family members, friends and loved ones from us? What gifts could you have given the world if only medicines had arrived in time to help you? I was the lucky one, the one who felt guilty because I made it, and you did not. I still cry at times missing you both. But please know you are not ever forgotten.
This is for you…and all those we have lost to AIDS. Please feel free to post a remembrance of someone you've lost as a tribute to them here in the comments.