| DECEMBER 1st is WORLD AIDS DAY and marks the beginning
of AIDS AWARENESS MONTH. This is a time devoted to gaining and sharing
knowledge and understanding of this disease; how it's contracted, prevention,
and how it affects people's lives. The RED
ribbon is worn by all who wish to show their awareness and their support.
I had the privilege of serving
as a volunteer emotional support counselor to persons with AIDS, and as
an AIDS educator for almost 5 years. The image of the heart symbolizes
the love that was shared by and between my fellow volunteers and our clients.
The candle is to remember all
the very special people who honored me by welcoming me into their hearts,
and who have now left this planet. Each of them promised to watch
over me, and I know they're doing just that because I can feel their presence.
I, in turn, promised to light a candle every year on World AIDS Day and
to maintain the glow from that flame until midnight of December 31st. Every
year, by different means, I have kept my promise. |
I made one other promise. That
was to continue to provide information about AIDS/HIV+ and its prevention
to those who seek it. I am also keeping that promise.
If you need and want support
or information about HIV+/AIDS and related issues, it's very easy to find
resources. Try looking in the yellow pages of your telephone directory
under AIDS. Or, you may wish to call the National AIDS Hotline at this
toll-free number 1-800-342-AIDS
for resources close to you. I have provided a few links that may be helpful.
AIDS,
Medicine and Miracles
National
Pediatric AIDS Network
The
Body: Answers to Safe Sex / Prevention
HIV
Infection
Some
Great HIV+/AIDS Resources
The
SAFER SEX Page! (PARENTAL
ALERT: contains nude photographs)
SAN
FRANCISCO BAY AREA VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
The Names Project
Foundation: AIDS Memorial Quilt
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