Manuel Rivera
 Good morning. My name is Manuel Rivera. This is the first time that I am saying out loud in public that I am HIV-positive. In 2002, I was working two jobs and making good money when I became very ill. The doctors thought I had cancer, but because of additional symptoms, they realized I also had HIV.
I was terrified because I had to quit both jobs. I was hospitalized and started chemotherapy but the treatments were not working. My family was told to prepare for my immediate death. The doctors weren't sure I was going to make it another day. The head of the cancer unit decided to try one more combination of drugs. It was my last hope and miraculously it worked.
A social worker recommended I go to GMHC. When I arrived, I was so sick I could barely walk or sit in a chair. I was fighting the physical effects of the chemotherapy. HIV was destroying my immune system. On top of that, my medical bills were piling up and I thought I might lose my apartment. At GMHC, I met some of the nicest people in my life. The staff put together a team to help me. I felt like the whole agency had stopped just to help me. They told me “Don't worry. We are going to take care of you. You will not be thrown out of your home.”
It is hard to describe the miracles that GMHC's staff performed. Slowly, I was able to re-emerge back into society. I started volunteering at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, and now have my own TV show called “Our Corner” which focuses on all aspects of the black and Latino communities. I volunteer for a newspaper called Latin Week New York. At GMHC, I am chair of the Consumer Advisory Board, making sure clients have a strong voice at the agency. Each year, I bring gifts on Thanksgiving and Christmas to a few of the staff because they helped save my life. I love this organization so much.
I wasn't sure I wanted to speak today but a friend said that I had a story to tell. Each of us has a story to tell about how AIDS has touched our lives. By walking, we are making a visible statement that AIDS is still a crisis. And as we walk, let's talk about HIV and AIDS. Let's talk about HIV prevention. Let's talk about getting tested. Each of you can help to make a difference. We cannot remain silent.
Thank you for being here today.
May 18, 2008
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
|
home 
double k design 
