NOV+DEC 2012

Page 43

8:30 AM: Norton, Ohio. Michael Vatilla:

“Every day, I swallow hundreds of dollars of medication that, without help from governmentassisted drug programs, I would not be able to afford. I know there are others not so fortunate. Something needs to be done to make meds more accessible to everyone.” 8:00 AM: San Francisco. Dennis

10:15 AM: San Francisco. David Duran practices his daddy skills with his best friend’s son at the beach. “Today is just like any other day. I’m living my life and enjoying spending time with my loved ones. One day soon, I hope to have a child, and raise him or her in a world without HIV or the stigma that surrounds it.”

Vaughn, who is HIVpositive, gets his day started with his service dog Buster Bear. Says Dennis, “Having Buster is essential. He gets me out of the house and reminds me to play as well.”

7:30 AM: Houston, Texas. Robert W.: “My morning pill, which 7:58 AM: Chicago. Kevin Irvine: “Dropping my daughter off at

I’m taking as part of a clinical trial. Each day I remember the people school. She loves first grade, but not smiling on cue for a picture! who went before me, took experimental drugs, knocked on the When I came to terms with having HIV 23 years ago, I thought I White House door, and called attention to those pushed aside.” would never have the chance to be a dad.” P os i t i ve lyAwar e .co m

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