Reflections on a young life lost
Reflections on a young life lost
By Karen Loftin
First, for the record I want to state how much I like my job, JUST LOVE IT! And I love the students I work closely with.
I work with wonderful people at AIDS Community Resources who have a lot of compassion for this pandemic of HIV/AIDS. Every other week at staff meetings we hear presentations from case managers about clients and our work with them. This past week I heard a tragic story about a 28-year-old young lady with 5 children who passed away with HIV/AIDS. She was infected when she was 14 years old.I know people die from HIV all the time; what tears me up is how a 28-year-old woman in 2007 in Central New York could die so young. It shouldn’t have happened! Where were all the red flags when she was diagnosed at age 14? Where were the help and interventions then? I wonder if she had solid sex education and adult support to help her avoid HIV infection… I wonder if she made smart decisions about her health care… My guess is no!
What is the point of my reflections? Let’s do the math!
My fear is whether our youth –YOU- really understand the physical and psychological impact of this and how vulnerable you are?! Are young people –YOU- taking HIV/AIDS seriously!? Are you acting wisely and safely!? As I said, I love my job, and I just want to make sure I’m reaching you! You matter! Your Life Matters!