HIV/AIDS LONG-TERM SURVIVOR * YOUTH EDUCATION * ADVOCACY * ACTIVISM * RESOURCES
Photos of AIDS activist Bob Bowers and friends.
An AIDS activist is someone who campaigns for the rights and well-being of people affected by HIV/AIDS, and for a societal response to the pandemic. AIDS activism has taken place since the 1980s, and has involved a variety of efforts, including:
AIDS activism began in the early 1980s in response to the AIDS epidemic in gay communities. One example of AIDS activism is the work of ACT UP, an organization that disrupted the FDA headquarters in 1988 to demand changes to the drug approval process
HIV long-term survivors include several groups:
- People who have had HIV for 10 years or longer
- Adults with HIV who acquired the virus as babies
- People who were diagnosed with HIV before the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996.
I just wanted to tell you that your site brought both tears to my eyes, chills to my skin, and peace to my heart. I have not been directly affected by AIDS on a personal level, however, being a nurse, my final goal is to be involved in the fight for research and a cure. I never look at people's websites, but something told me to check yours out. I have been directly affected by cancer several times which is another type of research I'd like to do, but I feel like the Lord is pushing me to work with HIV/AIDS patients and I'm not really sure why. And I love your saying Compassion is our cure.... b/c it is the truth in this world through and through. I just really wanted to say I think it's awesome what you are doing, and I wish more people would be on the proactive side of this fight.
~ Erin
You have to be one of the most amazing men. This just shows people that you can't tell from the outside someone is living with AIDS. Protect yourself and others. I love how open and honest you are about your life. And how AIDS hasn't made you lay down and die.
~ Bren
"Long-Term Survivors are defined as having a HIV/AIDS diagnosis before 1996. They share those earliest and darkest years of the epidemic when there were no effective treatments. Effective treatments were available in 1995-96. Protease inhibitors transformed HIV infection from a “death sentence” to a more chronic but manageable condition."
Bob, you were just the cutest thing when we were in grade school and have grown to be a handsome, very driven man. I applaud all that you do and wish you nothing but the best and may you continue to stay strong. Most people don't have near the drive or discipline, let alone energy that you appear to have. You are truly an amazing man. My hat is off to you my friend, you are truly an ANGEL and a gift to this earth and the life of everyone you come in contact with. Take care of yourself.
~ Sheila
Good Afternoon Bob,
I just spoke with Jake Glaser and he told me that you wanted me to email you. I only have a few minutes right now, but I will definitely email you again. I have checked out your website. IT is awesome!!!! I hope to create a website one of these days. Thank You for those kind words you said about me the other night to the reporter from The Capital Times. I am just started to do more and more. If I can help you out with anything, please let me know and I will do everything I can do to help you. I will let you know of things that come my way. I hope this finds you in good health. Take Care of yourself!! Continue to do that great work you do!
Best Wishes,
Ben Banks
Hi Bob,
Wow...your generous websites give people a pretty good idea of who you are. Thank you for sharing that with people. (my bro died of AIDS after refusing to go to doctors and then it was too late).
I am sorry for your struggle. I am happy for your brains. I am awed at your "person". I am glad you have spirituality and a sense of yourself. I hope you have all the love around you that you put out in the world. I wanted you to know that right at this moment there is someone thinking about everything you said. Good rides and good luck and good feelings to you in your life.
Elizabeth
Even today, secrecy still surrounds HIV/AIDS. Fortunately, Bob Bowers is a leading HIV/AIDS educator, ambassador and spokesperson. Through his speeches, Web sites and new documentary film about his life called The Fire Within, Bob is providing much needed leadership in the areas of HIV awareness and prevention. In addition, by living his life with great humor, integrity, strength and purpose, Bob has bridged the gap between diverse groups of individuals and in so doing, has lessened the stigma and discrimination that is so often associated with HIV/AIDS.
~ Neil Willenson
Today, over 1.2 million Americans live with HIV, and nearly 38 million worldwide. Once a death sentence, HIV infection is now considered a chronic condition, which once diagnosed can be managed with medication. But there is still much work to be done, education, testing, and access to care remain issues in many places.
Even when HIV is well-controlled, people may develop aging-related conditions at a younger age. People living with HIV are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without HIV. Older people living with HIV also have an increased risk of dementia, diabetes, osteoporosis, frailty, some cancers, and falls. It is common for older adults with HIV to experience mental illness, especially depression and addiction, and they tend to be more isolated, according to the National Institute on Aging.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the nearly 1.1 million people living with diagnosed HIV in the United States and dependent areas in 2022, 64% were aged 45 and older.
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Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate
www.onetoughpirate.com
Houston, Texas - All Rights Reserved.
Website last updated on November 15, 2024
End HIV/AIDS! Never surrender! Never forget!
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