Why this matters...

An email I received on why this matters....

WHY THIS MATTERS

Every season 1 particularly kick-butt Alumni signs-up for our program.
We'll call him J.R.

Several years ago J.R. visited a doctor because he was slowing down; he
couldn't think as quickly as he used to. The doctor discovered that J.R.
had a degenerative brain disease and that his HIV status was exacerbating
the situation.

The most shocking part about this news was that J.R. didn't know he was HIV
positive.

The only time he might have been exposed to the virus was many years prior
during a visit with an Ex in another state. They had had drinks, etc...
We've all been there. They had not been in touch for a long time since
then.

So J.R. tries to contact this Ex...

...and finds out that he had already died of AIDS. J.R. did some research.
His Ex might have known all along about his HIV status and never told J.R.

Know why APLA matters? APLA matters because they have counselors for HIV+
men and women to seek advice and guidance on how to talk to lovers -past and
present - about HIV/AIDS.

APLA matters because they give support, dignity, community, and constructive
identity to HIV+ men and women.

APLA matters because their efforts PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THIS DISEASE IN THE
FIRST PLACE.

I need you to finish this program for J.R. I need you to finish this
program so that other people never have to experience a situation like
J.R.'s.

That's why this matters.

Your contribution really does make a difference!

Please make a donation and sponsor me in this this run for life.

http://apla.convio.net/site/TR/Events/NationalAIDSMarathonTrainingProgram-MARATHONONLY?px=1502753&pg=personal&fr_id=1080