Do you remember the moment you realized you were an advocate?
Did you have an "aha" moment when you realized (like it or not) that you were becoming an advocate or influencer?
Do you recall your first official advocacy/influencer moment or event? What was it?
Yeah after seeing reactions of close friends after I disclosured my AIDS diagnosis. I heard of their experiences with their family members. I knew then I could help destroy some of the stigma surrounding it.
it's still a great struggle as heterosexual men with HIV are rarely even mentioned at conferences or studies 
, that is sad and perpetuates stigma around HIV. That's so disheartening in this day and age. I am glad that you are in the field to help dispel misinformation. -
On another note, I was excited to see news the other regarding the 6th patient to achieve long-term remission after discontinuing his HIV meds 5 years ago. I hope we can make the stem-cell therapy available to all, sooner than later. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
Yed
Thank you so much for being part of a important solution 💗
LONG time ago, attracted to healthcare, especially to seniors, and at age 18, as a Cerified Nursing Assistant in small community hospital, shared my concerns about the condition residents of area nursing homes were being admitted in. I could only imagine what the nursing homes were like! I was invited to join an Ad Hoc Nursing Home Study Committee, we worked together for a couple of years. There were other such commitees around the country, and we all sent reports to the White House. All this effort went towards President Nixon creating the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, in the 1970s. Still in existence, I was a professional Ombudsman and Ombudsman Program Manager for an area of my state for several years, till my recent retirement.
In addition I was caregiver and advocate for family members, and taught others how to for their people and themselves. Now I advocate for me.thank you for all you do 💗 , thank you so much! I know it would be welcome! - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
