My First Entry

But I soon became very anxious, questioning my ability to give this disease, which really needs more exposure in a manner that better educates healthcare providers and the general public alike, the justice it deserves.

Would I be the activist and educator I want to be, I asked myself. Would others want to read and respond to what I have to say? Would I succeed in discussing the complexities of HIV-nursing intelligently? Would I be able to challenge other nurses and support them at the same time?

If this blog is going to be successful, I'll need feedback from other nurses, my peers. I would like you to ask questions and share your stories about your experiences with me and my audience.

AIDS was clinically identified in 1981 and, as I like to call it, the disease of my generation.

I grew up in the 1980s, and AIDS seemed to be isolated to the gay male population at first, but quickly spread throughout the heterosexual community. In my experiences I've seen members of the gay community unite, actively and effectively lobbying for awareness, research and treatment for those dying within their communities.

It's because of these brave activists, who were part of a community that was frequently ignored and discriminated against, that AIDS awareness reached the mainstream. Their efforts led to government-funded money for research, which eventually led to the development of antiretroviral therapy.

Later, laws protecting HIV-positive and PWAs (persons with AIDS) from discrimination would come. Their activism fueled the rapidly evolving science of HIV medicine and boosted education on the subject.

Sadly, we lost many of these pioneers to the disease. But their work goes on. Twenty seven years later, more than 30 HIV medications exist with more in development. These meds have elevated the life span of PWAs, many of my patients, to the point where they are living their lives like anyone with a chronic, manageable disease, such as diabetes.