World AIDS Day
WORLD AIDS DAY
A DAY OF HOPE, REMEMBRANCE, AND RESOLVE
People under the age of thirty have never lived in a world without AIDS, yet they are shocked when they hear the stark stories of death caused by AIDS in the early years. People over thirty will never forget how AIDS robbed us of friends and family, and hope to live to see a world once again, without AIDS. With that as a backdrop, AIDS Community Resources commemorated World AIDS Day across the Central, Northern, and Mohawk Valley regions of New York on December 1, 2011.
In Central New York...
A service of Hope and Remembrance is held, as always, in the midst of seasonal advent flourishes and the somber inspirations of AIDS Quilts decorating the Panasci Family Chapel at Le Moyne College. The group is joined by old friends like the Gay and Lesbian Chorus, now celebrating twenty years of service to Syracuse…
And good friends from MAC Cosmetics from Macy’s at Carousel, who have adopted the cause of AIDS and rallied around AIDS Community Resources, helping to lead this service of Hope and Remembrance.
In the North Country…
On World AIDS Day, Indian River Drama Club TATF presented its own addition to the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a panel dedicated in loving memory of Sam. They began by gathering memories from Jim, Sam’s life partner. Through stories, pictures, mementos, and pieces of Sam’s beloved artwork, they earned about Sam, and his life together with Jim. TATF youth then got together for a design session and conceptualized what images might best bring Sam’s memory to life.
They spent several days after school, under the patient guidance of advisor Kristie Fuller, creating a panel to pay tribute to an artist, a son, a nature lover, and a gentle spirited man.
Sam’s life partner, Jim, and best friend, Kevin, were in attendance to watch TATF members teach HIV 101 and the history of the Quilts before the Dedication Service began, and commented on “how different things are now, in a time when youth not only KNOW the facts about AIDS, but aren’t afraid to SHARE what they know with others. To hear them talking openly about HIV and how important it is to use a condom is undeniably wonderful!”
Jim graciously and generously donated Sam’s panel to the Names Project, hoping it will continue to be used to teach, educate, raise awareness, and tell Sam’s story…like so many others.
In the Mohawk Valley…
The audience at the World AIDS Day Service at Mohawk Valley Community College heard the following moving message from a young mother.
Hello, I’m Shannon. I am a 29 year old mother of six. About five years ago, when I was pregnant with my youngest, I went to a routine doctor’s visit when the nurse called me to the back office. There were nurses there who knew me very well as I had come here with my other pregnancies. One nurse was almost in 
tears and the other broke the news. I was HIV positive. My mind only allowed me to hear those words “HIV positive.”
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I began to cry and I remember thinking I can’t tell my mother, but my heart only wanted her there. I felt ashamed and alone. I knew automatically that I had contracted the virus sexually because I am not a drug user.
It was Halloween day and I couldn’t even take my kids out. My mind just kept telling me that I was going to die and leave behind these beautiful children.
I asked God why would you give me these six blessings and then this horrible virus. I didn’t know then as much as I know now about the virus, so at this point all I knew was that it’s a virus that kills you. It’s known on the street as the monster.
So I began to live my life with this disease. I started to see a special doctor and even had to take my babies to see one. They were and still are HIV negative. Due to the fact that I took medication while I was pregnant and they did after their birth.
One day I ran into someone from AIDS Community Resources at the doctor’s office, and through them and my doctor I have come to learn that you can’t catch this for being my friend. I learned that latex condoms when used consistently and correctly are highly effective in preventing heterosexual transmission of HIV, according to the CDC.
This is not something that anyone has to have. You have a choice. If you are a drug user, use clean needles. If you are sexually active, use protection. This isn’t something that you just get, like cancer. The spread of HIV and AIDS can be prevented.
Science has come a long way in research and treatment. I take one pill every day and my levels are now undetectable. At one point through all of this I just wanted to give up, but I can’t and I want to live everyday for my children. I have HIV…HIV doesn’t have me. You need to protect yourself and you need to get tested.
Don’t be afraid to make your partner us protection. That moment of sexual pleasure won’t last forever, but the virus will. I made a decision that has affected my life forever. I no longer have a choice, but for those of you that do, please make the right one.