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AIDS FOCUS
Living With AIDS
"AIDS: An Invitation to Healing"
While we continue to hear about an increased number of AIDS cases, the scientific reports of
AIDS-related treatments, and the sociopolitical oppression of gay people in the age of AIDS, we are hearing
virtually nothing about the individuals who are experiencing emotional, spiritual, and, yes, physical healing
as a result of this experience. If we begin to explore the positive impact of the phenomenon, we can see
lives being transformed in wonderful ways. This experience called AIDS, while admittedly bringing ,
sadness and real suffering into many of our lives, brings an opportunity for those willing to choose that path.
As I look at the impact of the AIDS epidemic on my life, I am grateful for the opportunity for
spiritual renewal I have received. Describing myself as a recovering Catholic, I had chosen to basically
ignore any notion of spirituality for about ten years. Yet as the possibility of dying from AIDS became
more real, I have been forced to examine some significant spiritual/philosophical questions: the purpose of
my existence, the values which are important to me, and the question about the existence of a Source, or
Higher Power, a God. I know I am not alone in struggling to find answers to these questions; I further feel
there is solace in spiritual understanding and sustaining faith which awaits those willing to find personal
truth in this questioning. This faith has been realized by me because I have been forced to see the finite
nature of my life.
Additionally, I feel that the experience of AIDS (and, specifically my fear of past exposure) has
encouraged me to look at how I am taking care of my body and to take responsibility for doing all I can to
stay well as long as I can. Many of us arc eating healthfully, taking vitamins, getting exercise, reducing
stress, limiting or eliminating drugs and alcohol, and exploring other ways to care for our own beautiful
bodies. Many of us are experiencing the best physical health of our lives; even more often, people are
caring for their bodies better than they ever have in their lives. I am beginning to think - as I observe the
subtle cruising at the shop I frequent - that the health food store may be the bathhouse of the 90’s.
Finally, I offer that AIDS, while bringing pain and fear and sorrow to many people's lives, offers
us enormous opportunity for emotional healing. In The Plague, Camus states that, in their response to this
fictional plague, we see "the best and worst in men's souls." Clearly, this can be observed all around us.
People who never dreamed they would volunteer their time or themselves are being buddies or answering
phones or visiting hospitals or helping neighbors and friends; the response to AIDS by the Gay/Lesbian
community is nothing short of heroic. Another enriching realization for me has been the knowledge that
today is all that I can be sure I have. Ironically, it's all any of us have ever had, but I think we are all
appreciating the preciousness of life differently. I see so many people trying to be more loving and to love
themselves more. I think many of us have experienced improved relationships with friends and families; I
feel people trying differently to allow me to know I am loved. I know I try differently as well.
Lastly, I see AIDS and the realization of the finiteness of this experience as an opportunity for
joy. The pleasure and gifts available to us all mean more to me now than they ever had. Sunny Sundays
and loving friends are gifts to enjoy and savor. In short, AIDS gives us all the opportunity to say YES to
life; therein lies the invitation to healing.
-Jim Sacco
Jim Sacco MSW ,is a local psychotherapist and has ten years experience as a helping professional. Jim
has worked extensively with individuals adjusting to HIV infection and conducts an ongoing support
group for people with AIDS -Related Complex.
Updates
Experimental Drugs
Symposium
Atlanta physician Dr. James Braude led a public
symposium updating anti-AIDS drugs before an
overflow audience at Crawford Long Hospital on
March 23. Attendance so exceeded organizer's
expectations that audience members were invited to
sit onstage behind panelists who expressed surprise
at the extraordinary turnout.
Besides Dr. Braude, panelists included Dr. Bany
Gingell, Medical Information Director for the Gay
Men's Health Crisis and Community Research
Initiative in New York City, and Michael Cullen, an
AIDS activist and long-term AIDS survivor
(nearing his sixth year), and author of Surviving
and Thriving with AIDS.
The tone of the evening was upbeat, with
emphasis placed on optimism, self-education, and
education of one's physician. Dr. Braude opened
the discussion by saying he and his Atlanta
colleagues were behind their counterparts in New
York City and San Francisco in public discussions
of experimental AIDS drugs.
Previously, seminars in Atlanta have tended to
focus on holistic approaches to HIV, such as
macrobiotics, imaging, stress management,
nutrition, vitamins, and spiritual nurturing. Though
panelists endorsed the value of many of these
approaches, some members of the audience could
be heard to say that Wednesday night's turnout
indicated alternative drug therapies have gained
favor in the city, thus more closely aligning Atlanta
with New York City and San Francisco, where
AIDS has hit the hardest.
Panelists characterized the night's discussion as
information sharing, and said persons positive for
HIV should read everything possible to remain up-
to-date on alternative treatments and associated
issues. Panelists did not endorse the use of
particular drugs, but were aware that some
Atlantans have begun to use them and, therefore,
. recognized a need for information sharing.
It was also stressed that persons should not
assume their doctors have all the information
necessary for them to make decisions about how to
approach HTV, or have all the right answers.
Persons must be careful to choose a physician with
whom they are compatible, and do their own
homework. Persons must make decisions for
themselves and not be intimidated by physicians
who may not be aware of the most up-to-date
information (a common complaint among some
PWA's and PWARC's).
The three hour discussion was structured this
way: a brief introduction followed by an overview
of tests measuring HIV and immune functions; the
drugs themselves (antivirals and
immunomodulators); drugs for prophylaxis
(preventives, such as aerosol pentamidine for PCP);
audience questions and closing remarks.
The symposium was an acknowledgment that
more persons have begun to turn to experimental
drug therapies for HIV. Panelists sought to advise
persons as to the latest findings and opinions on the
drugs considered to be in widest use and
availability. Among the drugs discussed were AL
721 (perhaps in wider use than AZT); AZT
(Retrovir); Dextran Sulfate (the "hottest" new drug
in New York City, under intense scrutiny by
researchers, available over-the-counter in Japan,
and through underground US markets); DDC
(serious side-effects, under study at smaller doses
with AZT, one hundred times stronger than AZT);
Ribavirin (perhaps the most controversial of all
AIDS drugs, object of renewed interest and
studies); Imuthiol (promising, appears to benefit
some persons and raise T-cells at earlier stage of
infection); Antabuse (turns into Imuthiol in the
bloodstream, may have benefits of Imuthiol, no
formal studies, available over-the-counter);
Ampligen (appears to stabilize T-cells in significant
numbers of persons taking the drug, sparks clinical
improvements in some others, while a smaller
number show no response); DNCB and
Isoprinosine (appears to have lost favor with both
patients and physicians).
An important advance; aerosol pentamidine
appears to be a major weapon in preventing first
episode infections of PCP in persons with AIDS
and severe ARC. It also is said to prevent most
repeat episodes of PCP in persons with AIDS.
According to Michael Cullen, "There is no need for
anyone to get PCP a first or second time."
For information on all these drugs, write to: Gay
Men's Health Crisis, Department of Medical
Information, Box 274,132 West 24th St., New
York, NY 10011.
Southern Voice does not endorse any
experimental therapy or drug treatment Persons
interested in such treatments should consult their
physicians. - Terry F rancis
Federal AIDS Policy
Now in Effect
Washington-More than two million federal
employees are now covered by the government's
new AIDS policy.
Starting March 24, it will be illegal to
discriminate against a federal worker infected with
the virus, and those who refuse to work alongside a
PWA are subject to disciplinary action.
Under the new rules, a PWA is to be treated "in
the same manner as employees who suffer from
other serious illnesses." The Office of Personnel
Management's directive also gives workers the right
to continue working "as long as they are able to
maintain acceptable performance and do not pose a
safety threat." It instructs management to consider
"appropriate corrective or disciplinary action"
against other employees who refuse to work with
co-workers infected with the virus.
Employees will be granted disability retirement
if the length of service with the government
qualifies them, and their insurance coverage will
continue.
The guidelines apply to the 2.1 million workers
employed by the federal government, those covered
by OPM standards. The armed forces are not
included.
AIDS Leveling Off in Africa
Washington-Tht spread of AIDS in African
countries appears to be leveling off, according to an
expert from Zaire quoted in a Washington Post
report
Dr. Robert Ryder, director of Zaire's project
SIDA (the French acronym for AIDS), said there is
no evidence of the epidemic worsening ova- the last
several years. He attributed the leveling off to the
increase in the use of condoms, and to the fact that
most of those who were at risk became infected
with AIDS and were counted in early statistics.
The Post article said most African countries
were not affected by the disease, but that countries
reached by the epidemic saw the numba of cases
increase sharply between 1970 and 1980. Those
countries include Zaire, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
Zambia, Congo, Central African Republic, and
Tanzania
Elizabeth Taylor Raises
$2 Million for AIDS
Miami Beach-Tbc latest AIDS benefit led by
Elizabeth Taylor raised $2 million for education and
research against the deadly disease.
The event consisted of a series of $2,500 a plate
dinners in South Florida, culminating with a sold
out champagne and dessot "grand finale" at a posh
beachfront hotel in Miami Beach.
Ms. Taylor, who chairs the American
Foundation for AIDS Research, urged the crowd to
get involved in the fight against the disease, using
this benefit as a prototype.
A spokesperson for the event said the total raised
represents the greatest amount of private funds to
fight AIDS raised anywhere in the country.
One of the contributors, Celia Lipton Farris of
Palm Beach, contributed in one single check a total
of $1.1 million.
Ms. Taylor spoke of the need for compassion
and understanding, but stressed the need for money,
as well saying 'People may say money can't buy
compassion, but money can buy health."
Among the many stars in attendance were
Brooke Shields, Marlee Madia Margaux
Hemingway, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ed Asna, Lynn
Redgrave, Eddie Albert and Matt Dillon.
Spring AIDS Action '88
Atlanta-The Atlanta March Committee is
coordinating activities related to the Spring AIDS
Action '88. If you or your organization is interested
in coordinating or assisting activities related to the
following topics, contact Cathy Woolatd at 377
8312.
AIDS and Homophobia
PWA's: Caring and Uncaring
AIDS in the Ghetto, Barrio and Reservation
AIDS on Campus
AIDS Behind Bars
Women and the AIDS Crisis
AIDS: A World Wide Crisis
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday,
March 29 at 7:30 p.m. Call 885-9996 for location
information and directions. The next Atlanta March
Committee meeting is April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the
Highland Branch Library. Come on out and help
plan these activities as well as a 24-hour rally at the
State Capitol on May 6-7. We need your help!
The Atlanta Chapter of
NAPWA will host a private
party April 10,1988, from 6:00
to 10:00 p.m. The event will be
free to PWAs and PWARCs. If
interested in attending, please
call (404) 874-7926.
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