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Annual grants are given out to HIV/AIDS agencies,
organizations, and hospices in
My HIV Status - By Martin Rooney - aka Emperor 1 of Surrey I have been HIV positive for almost 20 years now. However living in Canada I got it pretty easy - the best doctors, disability and social assistance benefits fairly clean and large clinics with waiting rooms that are air conditioned, proper testing facilities, information and most of all universal healthcare. Yes there are times it is lonely to have a "terminal" disease, but with that sort of government and medical support I got it pretty good. 3 square meals a day - a doctor a phone call or a short drive away, my meds shipped from Vancouver to a local pharmacy every 2 months. Even when I acquired shingles in the early 90's or almost succumbed to pneumonia twice in the early 2000's I had a hospital that cared, doctors that knew my medical history and a healthcare system that looked after my costs. Yes I got it pretty good. Friends that support me, a family that loves me, even though they live in Ireland, and my GLBTQ family that cares! Yes I got it pretty good. When I felt like my dignity and human rights were violated November 11 2007 when I was refused entry to the United States due to my HIV status - even then I had support! My friends, the media, my community gave me the strength to stand up and say NO! THIS IS NOT RIGHT! Yes I got it pretty good. The support I received from local media, local politicians and the International Court System and Egale Canada helped in getting the US Law changed so one day soon I can once again go visit the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! Yes I got it pretty good. I have been to Tijuana at least 3 times - visited the clinic at least once. I have led fundraising efforts over the last 15 years that have been responsible for over $5000 being donated to Aids Tijuana - - - - and I was always questioned as to why AIDS Tijuana - Let me tell you what I know - - - There appears to be NO support in any capacity from the governments within Mexico for HIV AIDS. It's just a problem that will solve itself! NOT! I have been to the clinic described so accurately in the article below - so if this comes from someone other than me - maybe you will believe it and help me make a difference to those less fortunate than I or us. Should you die from HIV AIDS in Tijuana, the coroner or morgue will not remove the body unless it is already in a body bag - - - guess what people... yeh - the government will not supply the body bags and they cost approx .$60 US a piece. How's that for a reality check! Reading the article below I do not understand how families can afford body bags when they have to pimp themselves out just to eat - - No they don't have it pretty good. I can go on and on and on but I think you get the point - THIS IS IMPORTANT - HOW IN THE NAME OF GOD CAN WE RID THE WORLD OF HIV AIDS IF WE DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO OUR OWN CONTINENT - - - WE NEED TO HELP THESE PEOPLE RIGHT ON OUR BACK DOOR - So here is the challenge I put to all of you - I am hosting an event on November 28th - Red Ribbons for Life - click here for the details this is co hosted by Empress 27 of Vancouver BC NOW I CHALLENGE ALL CHAPTERS OF THE ICS TO HOLD 1 BENEFIT BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE 1 2009 FOR THE AIDS TIJUANA FUND and raise at least $100. All monies for the Aids Tijuana Fund are held in trust by the Imperial Court de San Diego and distributed to the various HIV/AIDS organizations in Tijuana as needed. When your benefit is complete, please remit donations to Imperial Court de San Diego - (memo the check or covering letter Aids Tijuana Fund) P.O. Box 633063 San Diego, California 92163-3063 USA Thank you to the chapters currently hosting benefits and/or supporting the Aids Tijuana Fund - remember HIV/AIDS projects need funding all year long. If you have any questions pertaining to this then please email Chris Horton IntlCtCommunique@aol.com This project, initiative, campaign is being done with the approval of AIDS Tijuana, The Imperial Court de San Diego. To read more on Casa Nicole please click here - www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=10029 Please read the following article written by a dear friend of mine.
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