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What Does AIDS Look Like? Have you ever wondered what someone infected with HIV/AIDS looks like? Chances are that you have seen or been in contact with many people who have the disease and you didn’t even realize they were infected. People with HIV/AIDS look just like you and me. They can look and feel healthy for quite some time before “feeling sick”. This is one of the reasons that one in three people who are infected don’t know that they are infected. For many, in the beginning stages of this disease, there are no obvious physical symptoms. There is no uniform look to AIDS. Each person has a unique and different story to tell. This is a disease of individuals who may be Hispanic, African-American, Oriental or Caucasian. The virus respects no boundaries and crosses all economic and social levels of our community. The HIV infected may be male or female, young or old, gay or straight, rich or poor. Just like the overall population, AIDS’ victims come in all colors, shapes and sizes. They are people who are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, neighbors and possibly co-workers. They live not only in New York City or San Francisco, but also in South Bend, Granger, Elkhart and our surrounding communities. We are all touched by these people who live with this disease for which there is no cure. It is part of our mission at AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist (AM/AA) to educate the public and keep them informed about the prevention of AIDS. By providing accurate information we hope to discourage discrimination and prejudice against the HIV infected, regardless of what they look like. AM/AA is the local advocate for those struggling with this disease. Over 540 infected and over 1,400 affected individuals depend on us to be here for them. Unfortunately we, like many other not-for-profits, are serving increasing numbers of people with less funding. We know that competition for funds is fierce and resources are few. Causes have proliferated. And this is why we need your help. Several of our programs are under funded and cuts have been made. Our agency is unique in what it offers and does not duplicate services offered by other not-for-profit agencies. As such, AM/AA is an important organization fulfilling a need in our community. Hopefully, you will never need our services, but the community needs us. More people are living with HIV/AIDS than ever before. It is no longer just a “gay” disease. The demand for our services is more urgent than ever. With your support, we will be able to continue our mission. As you make donations this holiday season, we hope that you will consider including AIDS Ministries in your giving. Every contribution is important. You will have our gratitude and our commitment to spend each dollar wisely. |
To find out more about AIDS Ministries history and vision for the future, visit the About Us page.