Over the break, I conducted a garage sale to raise money for the HUGMe organization. My grandma told me that she would make up the difference to reach $100 for bonus points for this class. I did not have a huge selection of items for the garage sale but I made a sign explaining that all the proceeds were going to the HUGMe organization. Several of my neighbors were very generous and offered to pay more than the value of the item being sold. In the end, I made $88 and my grandma gave me $12 to reach my $100 goal. I am writing the paper now and will be sending the check to Teach by the end of the week. It felt really good to know that I was raising money for a good cause. If there is one thing that I have learned from this class it is that there is a great need for HIV/AIDS education.
I feel that I learned a lot about HIV/AIDS from Assignment #4. "Common Threads" was a very touching film. It was interesting to hear the individual stories and see their representation in the quilt itself. I found the story of the young child with hemophilia to be especially touching. He seemed to be such a brave little boy, stronger than most guys I know now. He believed that he had the same rights as every other child and should be able to go outside and play when he chooses. It is beyond me that someone would want to take that right away from him. "Silverlake Life" was a little much for me. It was really hard to watch some of the scenes in that documentary, especially the death scene. When they showed his emaciated body, I almost felt that I had to cover my eyes. What an awful way to die.
These movies really open your eyes to the plight of someone diagnosed with HIV. Especially someone diagnosed with HIV in the late 80's. It is appalling how our government initially handled the prevention and treatment of HIV. I also watched the documentary series "Age of AIDS" and found this to be the most informative. It was interesting to see how different countries have approached the campaign for prevention and treatment of HIV. I think out of all the assignments in this class so far, Assignment #4 was the most informative.
***Did You Know?***
There are certain HIV medications that women should not use when they are pregnant. Such medications include Sustiva, Zerit, Agenerase in the oral form and hydroxyurea. The only HIV medication that is strongly recommended is ZDV, also known as zidovudine or AZT. The use of ZDV by an HIV-positive mother proves to be 70% effective in preventing the transmission of HIV to the child. ZDV treatment takes place in three parts and must be started between the 14th and 34th week of pregnancy. Once the child is born, the baby must take ZDV as a liquid every six hours for the first six weeks of life.
Reference: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/stds_hiv_and_pregnancy.html
I'm so happy that your test results came back negative. I hope that this is the outcome for our entire class. The story about David, the hemophiliac boy in Common Threads, touched me as well. It was so sad to hear his story. I agree with your statement about Silverlake Life, in that Tom died in a horrible way. I noticed how thin he was during his final taping sessions, but the body that I saw once he died looked just like a skeleton. I also agree that the movie assignment was the most informative. We got personal accounts from HIV positive people and their loved ones, and nothing can compare to that.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that your results came back negative! Thank you for sharing that. And even though one thinks they aren't involved in risky behavior, it's surprising what memories come up in those days that you are waiting for the test results...
ReplyDeleteThe Age of AIDS was an eye opening documentary. I learned a lot from it. And hip hip hooray for your garage sale! HUG-Me is an awesome organization. I worked for them for a few years and the staff there really care about every person that walks in that door. They also help a lot of low income individuals that are facing this disease. Your money will be put to good use for sure!
Cindy
I'm glad your tests were positive.. mine too! I have been wanting to have a garage sale, but never been able to find the time. I have so much clutter in my house that I could sell and make money for the HUGMe assignment!
ReplyDeleteDavid really crushed me in the movie. I could not believe all the terrible things his former friends were doing to him, and he was staying so strong. He actually understood what was going on and was trying to educate people.
Have a good weekend!
Congrats on your test. The movies are an historical look at HIV and what we as a country failed to do. Age of AIDS is the most recent so it helps to bring it full circle. Silverlake Life is perhaps the most telling because it is so real. The unfortunate part is that it continues today, in countries who are less fortunate than ours.
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