Whisper the name of some diseases and many people still get a shiver up their spine.
The black plague happened hundreds of years ago, yet people react. More recently, a diagnosis of cancer – the big ‘C’ – was grim and terrifying. In the 80s, people heard the word AIDS, many for the first time, and it seemed a death sentence of the first order, one tied forever with sexuality and therefore morality in a society not many generations from its puritanical roots.
But AIDS is no longer a death sentence.
People diagnosed early can take medication that will allow them to lead a long and healthy life. Men with AIDS can father offspring, and women can have babies without passing along the immune deficiency disease.
The stigma once attached to it has been challenged. Though it still exists, front line workers fight to end it, to reach out to people who might be infected and make testing and treatment available to all.
It can be argued this is a particular necessity in Prince George, the northern city with the highest mortality rate for those with HIV AIDS.
With the help of community partners, Positive Living North is battling the stigma being diagnosed with AIDS carries, ensuring testing is encouraged and helping people on their path to treatment. Their primary fundraiser, the Sociabank AIDS Walk for Life 2013 is set to take place Saturday, Sept. 14, and donations are needed.
DeLynda Pilon
Prince George Free Press
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