| "You are Not Alone" Conference for People Living with HIV & AIDS ...Reflection |  |
Editor's Note: We had intended to cover the most recent "You are Not Alone" workshop last week on April 13th. We were unable to get a reporter to the event. However, Michael Reinbold of our webteam has multiple experiences with these ongoing conferences and offered us this reflection:
When I first attended the You Are Not Alone Conference for People Living with HIV & AIDS back in May 1995, I felt frightened and bewildered. For good reason, being an AIDS patient, I was just getting over a bout with pneumosystis (an AIDS related pneumonia) and two harrowing months of experiencing dementia and depression. I also had just moved into Grace House after living one month in a nursing home. On the cusp of just getting my mind back, my mental state was in need of clarity and assurance. This eye opening workshop paved my path for recovery.
A great deal of thought, clarification and illumination go into each session of this stirring conference. The HIV Medical Update Session I attended by Teddie Potter BSN, ACRN, removed any of my doubts and fears about my AIDS diagnosis. For the first time, I felt I had a fighting chance for some kind of recovery. Teddie truly possesses a uniquely calming gift for clearly defining AIDS terminology, awareness and prevention. She familiarized the people in attendance with the current options for treatment and destroyed the stereotyped myths and fears we often face with sensibility and compassion. I received a solid sense of ease and enlightenment that has abundantly helped me get through my ordeal.
In addition to medical information, the conference provides representatives from local AIDS services organizations with its Community Resources Session II. They answer questions regarding housing, support groups, home delivered meals, complimentary therapies, and volunteer opportunities. The Living with AIDS Session III panel discussion provided real life testimony and professional guidance that were indispensable in helping me understand and cope.
One year later, someone else, frightened and bewildered, was in need of clarity and assurance--my mother. This workshop, facilitated by Sister Joanne Lucid, not only gave Margie Reinbold a much needed understanding about what her son was going through, but as a Catholic, removed her fear, misunderstanding, and indignation. I knew for my mother that only someone from the church would have the power to comfort her. Joanne did.
In 1997, shortly after I moved out of Grace House, I spoke on the discussion panel sharing my story. Now having done public speaking for AIDS awareness for over four years, I look back with a deep sense of gratitude and affection for AIDS Ministry with people like Joanne and Teddie. Because of them, my family and I have not only faced our fears, but have been able to enlighten others as well.
Archdiocese AIDS Ministry, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Clinic 42 and Open Arms of Minnesota vibrantly continue to host this event, most recently April 13. Current medical updates, community resources, and panel of speakers enlighten, nurture, and guide not only those living with AIDS, but caregivers and people just seeking knowledge and understanding of AIDS related issues.
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