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hi Regan...i cant read well your blog becouse i am from spain and i don´t understand all the lenguage...i like´d to say that you are a brave person...i read your interwiew in one spanish publication (Xl semanal)and i think that you are a spacial person that can change the world, becouse your voice can chang the vision of aids. All people can suffers this problem, the aids is in any place...and any can be inffected thak you for your blog ps...sorry for my very poor english
Hi there Regan, I read an article about you in a Spanish magazine: I do not know whether I have HIV or not, as many Spaniards. The situation here, nowadays, is exactly the same as it is in your country: people never think it is going to happen to them. But do not think that your words are not going to change the world. Here, in an insignificant town of Spain, I am going to get tested because I have been shocked by your testimony, by your courage, by your words. I have just read you are afraid of flying, but you will always be welcome here!!! Do not pannick about how much you will live. You are precious enough now, you are being a real human being, and, like me, many people are proud of you, now and forever. Thanks a lot.
Regan, Marvelyn & the Posse: I've to congratulate you guys for representing us so well on the Oprah Show like you did. Man!...that was an amazing display of courage and information and I think I speak for all of us in the AIDS Community when I say you did us proud. It was also very informative not only to Oprah herself but to a lot of people out there who're still in denial and refuse to let the information sink in. I hope you had a great time also in the windy City - rubbing shoulders with Magic Johonson and others. Guys, I really feel honored to belong to such a courageous bunch of people and please keep up the fight. Also on behalf of the Community and my own behalf, thanks to you & in particular to Oprah for giving you/us the forum to inform the kind of reach that she has with her show about the pandemic. I'm originally from Zimbabwe, Africa myself and a widowed father of three boys. I think we owe it to ourselves and the next generations; to fight the stigma attached to this pandemic. The opportunity that Oprah gave you was a step to do just that. Unfortunately, for those in my native Zimbabwe, they did not see that show; like I used to watch it since years bygone; before the onslaught of economic sunctions currently imposed on our motherland by the powers that be. Oh how I bemoan and wish they had watched this kind of show with you guys on it and the kind of information that you shared. As a minister of the gospel and concerned single father; I can only hope that one day these sunctions will be lifted and alleviate the suffering of my people over there. I also learned a thing or two just listening in and watching you guys on the show. Kudos to you all. God bless you and lots of love. Peace!
Hi Regan, I too have been very open about my status. As a married man of 45 years old, living in rural Owen County, Indiana,I was diagnosed with AIDS almost 11 years ago. Since my diagnosis, I have been working to reduce the stygma associated with HIV. When I was diagnosed, most people in my county felt that this was just a gay disease and that they had nothing to fear because they were removed from the rest of the world (and the chances of acquiring the virus) by their rural settings. I too, have experienced the reactions that you are describing, and then some. Though none have been violent, some have been outright fear until having educated them about the virus. You will have some idea who I am if you check the back page of the June 2004 issue of POZ. Since then, I have been interviewed once again for another article in your wonderful magazine. I have also appeared on a local news broadcast about the prevalence of HIV in rural america. I didn't get much air time, but it did keep HIV in the spotlight for a little bit longer around here. Since first being featured in POZ, I have been pretty busy trying to keep a roof over our heads but I am always ready to jump at any chance to get the word out about what it is like living with HIV and its problems, whether, stygma or just getting by or whatever. Bob
I too am living with the HIV virus since 1991. Little did I think I would still be around at this stage. I have been extremely fortunate with no illness except for the usual cold or sinus. Although I have side effects from the medication, I probably won't die of the virus but probably from heart problems. I wanted to thank you for letting people in America know that we need help here. I understand Africa needs help but there are plenty of people who are dealing with this disease right in our own backyard. It's extremely hard to get up and go to work and pretend everything is fine. I know I should be thankful because I can get up and go to work but the isolation is a killer. Anyway thanks for letting the world know HIV strikes and is still striking all walks of life.
Jon Benorden
Regan - thank you for being such a POSITIVE representative for us living with HIV! It was great meeting you at the Staying Alive Conference in New Orleans. You are now someone I definately look up too and admire!!! Love from Alaska - Jon
December 11, 2006