Here is an article about critical spending cuts that AIDS agencies are facing. Not for fluffy stuff like help running errands, or the food bank -- they facing cuts in being able to provide medication:
Notably absent from the subcommittee's priority list is a program that provides drugs to low-income HIV/AIDS patients.
One of two members who voted against the spending plan says it amounts to deciding who lives and who dies. AIDS Services of Austin Executive Director Paul Scott agrees.
"These medications are so critical, it's as if you're denying someone oxygen, and the consequence is death."
So here's my first plea - if you can, please donate, here's my HRCA page
Here's another reason to support this ride, it helps Project Transitions. Here's their description from their page: " Project Transitions is dedicated to serving people with HIV and AIDS by providing hospice, housing, and support in a compassionate and caring environment. We have been serving Central Texas since 1988.
No one is denied admission to any of our programs because of inability to pay. We are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish, all with the full support and effort of a caring community."
And a story from the mother of someone who was helped by them:
Jeff was a resident at Doug's House for four separate occasions over a seven-year period. During that time, Jeff established himself as an integral part of the story of Doug's House. Each time he came to Doug's House he had experienced a significant decline, resulting in him no longer being able to live independently. At Doug's House, Jeff was able to receive the critical services he needed, such as a safe place to stay and access to meals and medications. When asked how he felt about coming back to Doug's House most recently, Jeff stated, "I feel like I'm coming home." Jeff died peacefully at Doug's House this past weekend. Jeff's mom stated about the staff at Doug's House, "They are the most loving, caring, professional group of people. I don't know how we could have done it without them." Jeff was always so grateful for the support he received at Doug's House. If he were alive today, he would want to say "Thank You" to all of the supporters of the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Your support helps to continue the great work of Project Transitions.
please help me help them: here's my HRCA page
And here is a story from someone who went to Project Transitions, and got such wonderful care from them that he checked back out, and now receives care from Care Communities, another beneficiary of the Ride:
As always, these events are open to everyone, and are all geared for why we are here: to create a community of kindness that makes sure that no one goes through HIV/AIDS alone.
"Hello my name is Jack Foster. I was diagnosed with AIDS in June of 2010, which I got from a girlfriend. They gave me one year to live and sent me to Doug's House to die. They didn't know the care I would get, and here I am almost a year later, now living in my very own place! I am able to get around, but I need help from the volunteers of The Care Communities. They help me with groceries, getting to the doctor, and just someone to talk to. They helped me move from various apartments and find furniture for my current apartment. We also go out for coffee and they have taken me out to the circus and crop mazes. The volunteers I have from The Care Communities are great, I don't know what I would do without them."
please help me help them: here's my HRCA page
Here is a piece of information about AIDS that I find astonishing : If it takes you two minutes to read this, ten more people will have become infected with HIV. That's so many sons and daughters hearing the news, it seems impossible.
and here's a story about an amazing person who uses the services of another of the beneficiary agencies, and a comment from the Ride director:
I have been a client of Community Action's Rural AIDS Service Program for years. The compassion and sheer dedication of this agency continually amazes me. My spouse and I have had long term custody of six of our grandchildren. Without Community Action I know I would not still be healthy today and providing a safe, happy home for them. I believe this assistance is why my blended family has not only survived, but is now thriving. From a listening ear and assistance locating community resources to help with food, clothing, and gas for medical appointments, the existence of this agency has literally transformed my life. There aren't many things in life you can count on so being able to count on this agency has been and remains a huge blessing in my life. I don't know what I would have done, or where my family would be today without it.
- Earl Goldstein
If you were to meet Earl, you would love him and would do whatever you could to make sure he got the care he needs, you would even ask your friends to pitch in.
and Waterloo Counseling Center helps the community with low-cost counseling, here's the story from one of their clients:
It took me almost a year after I found out I have HIV to even tell anyone. I was only 24 at the time, and I thought my life was over. I wanted to talk to someone, but I just couldn't deal with it. I wouldn't even see a doctor because I thought that getting on meds would mean I was dying. I lost a lot of sleep, until I called Waterloo Counseling Center.
At first, I just couldn't talk about my HIV, even to my counselor. But he waited me out. He sure was patient! I finally opened up, and that's when everything changed. My counselor helped me focus on "living with HIV" instead of "dying of HIV." I felt like a burden had been lifted. I even worked up the courage to find a doctor and get on medication for my HIV. I was really surprised to notice that for the first time in a long time, I felt optimistic about taking care of myself. I know now that I have a future, and I'd better start planning for it! So I enrolled in college and am looking forward to what life brings. I can't thank my Waterloo counselor enough.
please help me help them: here's my HRCA page
I hadn't intended to write a heart breaking/warming diary, but I got the e-mail from ASA's director about the cuts to the medication service -- medication, y'all -- and I had to do something. Please, please, please help me help them: here's my HRCA page |
