HIV/AIDS LONG-TERM SURVIVOR * YOUTH EDUCATION * ADVOCACY * ACTIVISM * RESOURCES
Houston, Texas, United States
What defines an HIV/aids long-term survivor
Never surrender!
Live to tell the tale!
Live to tell the tale!
HIV long-term survivor Bob Bowers at 61 years old
Live to tell the tale!
Live to tell the tale!
Live to tell the tale!
AIDS long-term survivor Bob Bowers - Houston, Texas
Discover One Tough Pirate PR
Brand Strategy
Bob Bowers is an outspoken advocate' and another long-term HIVer' who runs his own youth education nonprofit out of Madison, Wis., called HIVictorious. Contrasting himself with Mackenroth's openness about being gay when he appeared on national TV, the 46-year-old Bowers says with a chuckle, 'I don't brag about it, but I'm a heterosexual.' But his ability to make light of how he handles conversations about living with HIV didn't always come so easily. When he had his first speaking engagement in 1986 he was terrified, he admits, to get up in front of a group of high schoolers in North Hollywood, Calif., and tell his story. But the outcome changed his outlook: 'I received a standing ovation. I was like, 'Wow!' That was unexpected for somebody who'd felt so ashamed and dirty and tainted.'
AGIng and thriving with hiv
COMPASSION IS OUR CURE®
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
One Tough Pirate
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
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
Growing Older with HIV
Today, thanks to improvements in the effectiveness of treatment with HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), people with HIV who are diagnosed early and who get and stay on ART can keep the virus suppressed and live long and healthy lives. For this reason, more than half of people with diagnosed HIV in the United States and 6 territories and freely associated states are aged 50 and older. Many of them have been living with HIV for many years; others were diagnosed with HIV later in life.
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day September 18th - Bob Bowers is a 41-year HIV/AIDS survivor
HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day (HLTSAD)
June 5th - HLTSAD.ORG
June 5 is HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. First observed in 2014, it’s a day to honor long-term survivors of HIV and raise awareness about their needs, issues, and journeys.
The selection of June 5 for this annual observance coincides with the anniversary of the first official reporting of what became known as the AIDS epidemic on June 5, 1981, when the CDC first reported on five cases of a mysterious disease affecting young gay men. June 5, 1981 is considered the start of the AIDS pandemic.
COMPASSION IS OUR CURE®
Kindness, compassion and love for each other is the greatest gift we can give each other. A great teacher, and friend has taught me that...!
Namaste,
Pam
AGING and thriving with hiv/aids
Led by the AIDS Institute, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAD) is observed each year on September 18 to focus on the increasing number of people who, because of major advancements in HIV treatment, are living long, full lives with HIV.
LONG-TERM SURVIVOR
LONG-TERM SURVIVOR
LONG-TERM SURVIVOR
"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."
SURVIVE!
LONG-TERM SURVIVOR
LONG-TERM SURVIVOR
"My personal ambition is to inspire and motivate everyone to be victorious in life's challenges. In this process I educate about the cause of HIV/AIDS, the consequences of having it, and how I have survived for 41 years."
~ Bob Bowers
God is good!
LONG-TERM SURVIVOR
God is good!
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
ADVOCACY
STOP THE STIGMA!
God is good!
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
ACTIVISM
STOP THE STIGMA!
STOP THE STIGMA!
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
STOP THE STIGMA!
STOP THE STIGMA!
STOP THE STIGMA!
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
HIV long-term survivor bob bowers
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.
