World AIDS Day

[OakLeaf]

Honestly I'd rather have it discussed on message boards and blogs and NOT in the paper. When a medical cause is in the paper, on every store shelf, it means that it's totally controlled by corporate interests and the "awareness" times are more about profit than about the patients.

So many of the AIDS-related charities are community-based, focused on helping PWA's and HIV+ populations cope. Much more worthwhile IMO than many medical charities - and yet, less corporate support just because of less corporate profit.

Thanks for the reminder, Gray. Actually I'd forgotten it was World AIDS Day - and yet, I found myself on Monday thinking about a couple of friends I'd lost to AIDS.

[GraysonKelly]

Honestly I'd rather have it discussed on message boards and blogs and NOT in the paper. When a medical cause is in the paper, on every store shelf, it means that it's totally controlled by corporate interests and the "awareness" times are more about profit than about the patients.

So many of the AIDS-related charities are community-based, focused on helping PWA's and HIV+ populations cope. Much more worthwhile IMO than many medical charities - and yet, less corporate support just because of less corporate profit.

Thanks for the reminder, Gray. Actually I'd forgotten it was World AIDS Day - and yet, I found myself on Monday thinking about a couple of friends I'd lost to AIDS.

I understand exactly what you mean. I was impressed that my local paper covered it, but then again I live in a university town and all kinds of groups were behind it. So I guess they made sure that it wasn't forgotten. I have not had the unfortunate experience of losing a loved one to this disease, but I have befriended and treated several patients over the years. I also have several friends who have experienced the pain of losing their loved ones. It is heartbreaking. It's maddening that there is still so much ignorance and intolerance surrounding this disease. Ahh, I don't wanna get up on my soapbox but it really does break my heart.
I was just out of high school and had just lost a very dear patient we'd been treating for years to pneumonia complicated by AIDS. I also learned that year that December 1 was World AIDS Day which is also my birthday. So, I picked up the gauntlet and decided to do all I could to be involved with battling this disease. I desperately wish I could find employment with an agency that does this kind of work. But regardless of where I am I hope to continue to be involved in this fight. It really is one that all of us should be fighting. We all should be supporting those who are already afflicted and doing our damnedest to prevent others from contracting it.
Okay, I'm done. I'm thankful that people chimed in on this thread.
Take care,
Gray

[Pax]

Happy belated birthday Gray, and thanks for all your efforts.