22.2.13

My HIV Diary: Walk the Walk, Week 25

Ryan Dixon (a.k.a former porn star Kameron Scott) has started taking HIV medication. He’s keeping a diary of his experience.
Being in my mid-20’s isn’t easy, add HIV on top of that and we have one hell of a complicated life. I’m making the best out of the hand life has dealt me and the decisions I’ve made along the way. Writing helps free my mind. Hopefully these words will help you understand the plight of others like myself, and inspire you to live each and every day in the moment.
Week 25 (Feb. 15 – Feb. 21)
Coming to six months on HIV medications I’m feeling amazing, and it’s all thanks to my doctors.
I just started going back to Robert Butler, a P.A. at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. No organization is perfect but the people at AFH, from the doctors to the people at the front desk, provide the best medical care out there for HIV patients, never caring about a patient’s ability to pay. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve gone into a doctor’s office depressed to no end and received good news about my health that made my emotions a 180-degree turn. My health is the only thing I can rely on in the world, the one thing that keeps me going.
This diary is a plea to my readers out there to help me help others like myself. I don’t mean just HIV-positive people, but people who need medical care to not only stay healthy but to help keep a positive outlook on life.
For the third year in a row, I’ve started a page to raise funds for the Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival. My goal is to raise $1,500 but I truly hope to surpass that goal in the next 31 days. I’ve donated a little money myself and would never ask anyone to give more than what I myself can, but any amount goes a long way in helping fight HIV and keep those that are negative safe.
Last year the Florida AIDS Walk fell just short on $1 million. This year I want us to shatter that glass ceiling. I don’t want people to ever fear about seeking treatment because they can’t afford it. I’m lucky to have the friends and support I do. Your donation means that you might be helping another struggling Ryan Dixon somewhere in the world.

http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/sfgn-columnists/contributing-columnists/ryan-dixon/9177-my-hiv-diary-walk-the-walk-week-25.html