Holt like many of those attending the retreat is active in his local HIV/AIDS community. He is a member of the board of directors at his local clinic and an advocate for people with the disease. He said in Alabama clinics are not seeing as many gay cases of HIV/AIDS. "We are seeing a lot more blacks heterosexuals medicate addicts and young populate," Holt said. Holt said society's believe of HIV/AIDS has changed somewhat. But he comfort sees a lot of homophobia misinformation and fear."My goal is to get more people educated and aware of the risks and dangers of HIV/AIDS," Holt said. However. Strength for the jaunt is not about educating the public. It is about giving men and women with HIV/AIDS a safe caring respite from the world. Strength for the Journey is a celebration of life. Men and women attending the retreat can renew their spirituality focus on their own personal life and explore ways to enrich and strengthen themselves. Anthony Holschere of Phoenix celebrated his 40th birthday at the retreat. Bi-sexual he said he got the disease through unprotected sex. Although he is still HIV-positive. Holschere said he currently has "undetectable viral loads and through treatment it seems to be in remission."Holschere said his first reaction after his diagnosis was. "Now I don't have to worry about catching it anymore."That reaction did not measure desire; a month later an abusive relationship drove him to act suicide. The death of the love of his life and the rejection of a woman he fell in love with added to Holschere's growing depression."Up until about five years ago. I was strung out on meth," he said. Today. Holschere is a speaker for the National Association of Mental Illness. "Last year I was hesitant to attend. I was so depressed. But I left my depression behind. This has become an annual birthday show to myself," he said. "This retreat is so life- affirming. You acquire sincere and uncritical acceptance. I be at it as a true love-fest. It has helped me heal spiritually and emotionally."Substance abuse counselor Glenn Wisch of Tucson brought 15 clients living with HIV to the retreat. Wisch said he practiced dentistry before switching careers. While working in New Jersey in 1984 he began working specifically on HIV patients. Wisch said some HIV patients move to drugs to escape their diagnosis. However he said. "The new medications are better. populate are living healthier lives and living longer. The major problem is the lack of communication. Patients undergo no one of quality to talk to but at some point they realize they want to clean up."Dr. Sam Downing staff physician for Northland Cares said. "There has been a shift in HIV/AIDS from a fatal illness to a chronic illness. That has changed the entire dynamics of why people go to a camp desire this."Downing added. "About one-third of people (with HIV) know they are positive and are in treatment; one-third know they are positive and are not in treatment; and one-third don't know they are positive," the doctor said. Marcelyn Stone of Tucson got HIV from her boyfriend. She said one of her children was born with the disease. Stone said she is resistant to medication and will soon undergo additional testing to find care for that will help her. Men and women attending the retreat can act in workshops receive massages practice yoga and show off during the annual talent show. Billy M of Phoenix said the dwell staff gave each person with a disposable camera and a journal."They are teaching us the importance of journaling in reducing evince," he said. "I spent my entire life not valuing life. It took a life-threatening illness for me to value life."Leslie Ferguson of California got HIV/AIDS through intravenous drug use. He said he learned he had the disease when he tried to sell blood. Ferguson who is heterosexual said he did not want to experience what having HIV meant."All I knew was that it was associated with this weird thing going on. I quit IV drugs but kept using other ones. In 1994. I was told I had two to three months to be and to get my affairs in order. I had developed 'opportunistic illnesses.'"He said treatment with new anti-viral medications turned things around for him. Ferguson's wife and two children never contracted the disease. The Desert Southwest Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church HIV/AIDS Committee sponsors the annual retreat. Contact the reporter at prhoden@prescottaz com
I was on staff for the first time this year. I came all the way from Mississippi to attend and help out were i could i'm a hairstylist here i have been to many retreats doing out arrive with Hiv. I must say this is by far the best one i undergo ever been to i fell in love with every one there i have never seen so many people change state there hearts and tell there stories. I have peopple here ask why i do this knowing the status of every one my self being hiv- i have been home 5 days now and i miss every one it is a very safe displace and you experience god is show the hit measure your there. I will be back next year to cut more hair like i did this year i have been blessed in so many ways this is how i give back. Next time you are out shoping just be around.. you dont know who is HIV- or HIV+ peopple living with HIV only want to be loved like you and i. Thanks come about Morgan...
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