Need Someone to Talk To?

[candy (OP)]

I just wanted to introduce myself and let the members know that I have volunteered as an advocate for those in the HIV/AIDS community since I became a nurse in 1993. I started working with pediatric patients before moving on to adults later in my nursing career.  I am also a certified HIV Counselor. I have done counseling with men and women who are newly diagnosed and those that have had HIV/AIDS for many years.

I have also worked as a Case Manager at AIDS Project of Los Angeles (APLA), here in Los Angeles, CA. and if anyone ever needs someone to talk to or needs information here in the U.S., please don't hesitate to contact me.

If you would prefer to talk off the site, please feel free to email me anytime.

We want this to be a safe place where you can post anything you like without judgment. So welcome and feel free to look around...
Candy

[Narkotikon]

Doing such work with HIV / AIDS patients is very honorable of you Candy.  There are way too many people who avoid such patients out of fear, ignorance, or hate. 

In my early 20's I was made aware of AVOC (Aids Volunteers of Cincinnati) and was encouraged to volunteer there.  I never got around to it though.  I sometimes regret that. 

[Chip]

candy, you never fail to impress me.

[candy (OP)]

 Thank you Nark and Chipper. It means a lot to me.

I can remember very long ago in the early 80's when I started to become interested in helping those with HIV and AIDS. I was only a young girl then, but the treatment of those with HIV/AIDS made me sick and desperate to be a voice for others.

Maybe being bullied and teased as a young kid had something to do with my wanting to help others.

I remember the first time I ever counseled anyone and had to give them the results of their HIV test. It was a 15 year old homeless kid who was prostituting in Hollywood. I think I was more nervous than he was, but it broke my heart to see someone so young involved in this lifestyle. I am sure being a mom had to do something with it.
I cried the whole way home and wasn't sure I could do it again. Telling someone they were HIV+ is not easy, especially someone so young.
But, I showed up the next day and learned so much from the people I came into contact with, and those that I became close with and call my friends today.

I am so glad that we have people like you both, Nick, and countless others who give their time and energy to help. 
I am also so glad to call you all my friends.