HIV/AIDS LONG-TERM SURVIVOR * YOUTH EDUCATION * ADVOCACY * ACTIVISM * RESOURCES
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.
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.'
“Survivor’s guilt is real, but I know I’m here for a reason. And that reason is to keep fighting for others.”
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
HIV long-term survivors include several groups:
“Being an HIV/AIDS long-term survivor is more than a label; it’s a symbol of resilience, a reminder that the human spirit can endure against all odds.”
~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate
We're Only in the Business of HIV/AIDS to Be Out of Business—World AIDS Day 2024
December 1st—World AIDS Day—is a bittersweet day for me, and I’d like to share why this day holds such complex meaning. Each year, a new theme is crafted to capture attention, raise awareness, and rally support. I understand the intent, but for me, these themes often feel oversimplified. They can seem like just words on a page when weighed against the reality of HIV/AIDS, which continues to affect millions of people daily—not just in the U.S. but worldwide.."
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I appreciated the time and effort you put into talking to us about HIV/AIDS awareness. Your story truly touched me, and you're a blessing to all of us.
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 March 27, 2025
End HIV/AIDS! Never surrender! Never forget!
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