Photos of Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate a 43 year HIV/AIDS survivor advocate and educator Houston

Photos of Bob Bowers - HIV long-term survivor from 1980s

It Ain’t Over — Until It’s OVER

I was infected with HIV in 1983 at the age of 19.
I’m 63 now.

Think about that.
Really — think about it.

If that doesn’t give you hope, I don’t know what will.

Back then, doctors told me I wouldn’t live to see 25.
I’ve now outlived most of the people who once doubted I’d make it through the year.
Four decades later, I’m still standing — not by luck, but by grace and the sheer will to keep living and fighting.

~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

Never surrender. Never forget.

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.

HIV/AIDS long-term survivors

Letters to Bob:

I wanted to congratulate you on your journey living with HIV... you are truly my inspiration... I think that people often underestimate us... I just wanted to let you know that I am applauding your efforts, your honesty and your fight...I am so grateful to call you my friend... you have touched my heart and opened my eyes...Your openness has shifted my life for the better and you are my hero...

~ Robert

Dear Bob,

I just wanted to thank you so much for coming in and speaking to our class. You really inspired me to do something with my life. Your stories really touched me and made anything seem possible. The way you keep battling really made me remember that there really are good people in the world. I would just want you to know that after you came, you became my hero. The way you deal with your life is amazing. I honestly don't' think I could go through my life like you do, I would give up. If everyone had the willpower you had, nothing bad would happen in the world. I admire that instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you stand up and teach kids like me what it is like. I would like you to know that right when I got home from school that day, I told my parents all about the greatest man I have ever seen. Now every day before I go to bed, I say a special prayer just for you. So, thank you for inspiring me to live life to the fullest like you do. Thank you again for coming in and talking to our class.

Sincerely,

Danny A.

Dear Bob,

Over the years in the social groups I attend to, I can say I met many a person. But not a single one of them has made me take the few moments I did out of my day and revel in your awesomeness. And I've known some people that have had their fair share of shit happen to them. But I spent some time on your site links, and you made me not only commend you for the courage you have, but actually realize what little things I take for granted every day just by being alive. I hope this message reaches you in the BEST of health, and I hope your time on this planet is longer and more prosperous than you ever dreamed it could be. Again, I feel compelled to wish you congratulations on not giving up, and good luck in helping others. I would say don't quit fighting, and don't give up, but I think you already have plenty of motivation and faith of your own. I just hope my few little words fan what blazing flames drive you. Thank you for being such a beautiful human being.

With the utmost respect and high regards,

E. Bojan

Dear Friends,

If you haven't met Bob Bowers or heard him speak, you

have missed an inspirational man with a profound message

for life. At opening ceremonies of AIDS Walk Wisconsin his

remarks have energized thousands of people to increase

their commitment to the fight against AIDS. He is a

wonderful educator and a powerful advocate who

exemplifies the new reality that people with HIV disease

have the opportunity to live long, healthy and productive

lives. I commend Bob to you as a man of the highest

integrity whose dedication and leadership are making a big

difference in this epic battle against AIDS.

Sincerely,

Doug Nelson

President and CEO

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin

Aging and thriving with hiv/Aids

What Are the Odds? – Playing the Hand You're Dealt

There was a time when I would have bet every cent I had on being just another statistic—someone whose name would be spoken in hushed tones, if at all. Another story of someone who didn’t make it. Yet, here I am, still standing, and every day feels like I’ve outplayed the odds.

In 2004, I found myself speaking to a room full of medical students at the University of Wisconsin. I was nervous, as usual, especially since I hadn’t done many university presentations at that point in my years of advocacy. But this wasn’t just a job or another presentation on HIV/AIDS—it was about being of service, about pouring my heart and soul into everything I did.

To break the ice with these bright future doctors, I tossed out one of my “I hope I make you think” moments. With a smirk, I said, “In 1984, when I was diagnosed, if you put Bob Bowers, JFK Jr., and Princess Diana into a pool as to who would have survived (then 20 years later), I definitely would’ve put my money on the Princess, not my sorry ass!”

The laughter was loud and real, and the message landed with impact: life’s unpredictable, and none of us knows exactly how long we have.

Read the full piece here

Never surrender! Never forget!

What an honor and blessing it is to be growing older and continuing to live and thrive with HIV/AIDS.

aging with hiv/aids

Exercise/workout with hiv/aids - Movement is medicine!

Yes, you can exercise while living with HIV/AIDS

In 2021, I was 260 pounds, barely mobile, and barely holding on. My health was in freefall, and my reflection in the mirror looked like a ghost of who I once was. I honestly thought, “Maybe this is just what it looks like in your late 50s with HIV, heart disease, and decades of wear and tear.” After all, my dad died at 59. I was genuinely 'prepared' and had even saved some of my stimulus money for my cremation. But something inside me still had fight. So, with help—my staff, my service dog, and a whole lot of prayer—I got up. Again... Click to read more about HIV/AIDS and exercise.

Exercise living with HIV/AIDS

Staying fit while living with HIV/AIDS

Staying fit & active with HIV/AIDS is possible Bob Bowers has been exercising with HIV for 43 years

Exercise and fitness with HIV/AIDS is more than muscle. It’s medicine. It’s faith. It’s proof that no matter how many times you fall, you can rise again.

HIV/AIDS exercise fitness workout

laughter is my medicine

Humor's the last lifeboat of sanity. If we stop laughing, we sink.

~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

Dying to Laugh: Embracing Humor While Living with HIV/AIDS

Laughter is the best medicine, and let me tell you, it’s been my go-to prescription while surviving and thriving with HIV/AIDS for 43 years. Who knew that humor could be such a powerful ally? I know I got my sense of humor from my mom, and for that, I’m forever grateful. Even in her final days of fighting breast cancer, I still remember hearing her laugh. It’s one of the few, but cherished memories I have of her! From belly laughs with the love of my life to those moments of crying laughter over a perfect meme, humor has been my secret weapon against the darkness.

Read dying to laugh

HIV long-term survivor 1980s AIDS Activist Advocate Educator Bob Bowers One Tough Pirate Houston TX

hiv/aids long-term survivors from the 1980s - Bob bowers

never ever surrender

As a 43-year long-term survivor of HIV, Bob Bowers faces a combination of physical, emotional, and social challenges. Having been diagnosed in the early 1980s, when HIV was often a death sentence and treatments were highly toxic, his body and mind have endured decades of stress that more recent survivors do not experience.

survive

I’m proof that survival is an act of rebellion.

Proof that healing ain’t always clean or quiet.

Proof that love, faith, and fire can still burn inside a cracked vessel.

— Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

learn more about bob

Survive and Thrive!

Tattoos Long-term HIV/AIDS survivors Bob Bowers One Tough Pirate Houston Texas advocates educators

Got ink?

The Fire Within Documentary

" I was five years old when I first saw my dad’s tattoo—a bulldog on his forearm. That image stuck with me, and from that moment, I knew I wanted ink of my own someday. What I didn’t know was how deeply tattoos would become woven into my identity, my survival, and my story."

Bob Bowers' Tattoos

The Fire Within Documentary

Mr Bowers. I have recently viewed your documentary film, "The Fire Within". I was moved beyond words. I met you about 5 years ago at San Diego State University and was challenged and humbled by your life. I live my life in the moment and often your powerful existence reminds me not to sweat the small stuff. Thank you for all of your work and guidance. You are truly my inspiration.

The Fire Within Documentary

Bob Bowers weeps as names of lives lost to AIDS are read at the AIDS Memorial Quilt National Mall DC

Never ever forget!

The Fire Within Documentary

Never ever forget!

The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a massive, ongoing community arts project created to memorialize and celebrate the lives of people lost to the AIDS pandemic. Weighing 54 tons and composed of more than 50,000 individual panels, it is the largest piece of community folk art in the world.

AIDS Memorial Quilt

Photos of Bob Bowers - HIV long-term survivor from 1980s

It Ain’t Over — Until It’s OVER

Never surrender. Never forget.

Long-term HIV/AIDS survivor Bob Bowers

Carpe diem!

#ENDTHESTIGMA

Letters to Bob: