“Years ago, I realized that HIV is no longer a death sentence. I am grateful to be alive. But none of this would have been possible without the support of Lifelong.”
As someone who has been living with HIV for 40 years, I can tell you that it is not an easy journey. I was diagnosed when I was 28 years old in 1983.
New York City was my home, but I felt overwhelmed by my diagnosis and trying to navigate the big city to find supportive care. A friend talked me into moving to the Pacific Northwest when I became extremely ill.
I loved how Seattle felt smaller and more intimate. People told me about Lifelong, which was then Northwest AIDS Foundation (NWAF), and it changed my life the moment I walked through their office doors.
They were a grassroots organization that was so well organized and in sync with the health needs of the community. I was immediately set up with a case manager and started receiving food from the Chicken Soup Brigade. A kind staff member helped me with health insurance paperwork, and some nice clothes from the Thrift store. Everyone that worked there was always in good spirits, ready to lift you up. That is huge when most of us were walking in the door feeling helpless and hopeless.
The staff at NWAF were a lifeline for me. Of course, I appreciated the practical services like insurance, food, and clothing, but more importantly, they gave me a sense of hope and empowerment.
Looking back now, I was actually reluctant to seek help. I was so used to fighting alone and not looking to others for any support. I didn’t want to rely on anyone else. But the staff advocated for me to do what felt right for my needs, include myself in my own healing process, and see myself as equal so we could be a team together. They helped me become my own hero and step into my own power.
I recently celebrated my 68th birthday.
The services at Lifelong helped me get here. They helped me champion myself. Now I’m my own hero.
Director of Clinical Services, Warren, holding a cake in honor of Max’s 68th birthday.
I continue to receive support from Lifelong, a community-based organization that is interwoven into the fabric of Seattle. Their programs include case management, dietitians, housing advocates, and employment specialists. They have helped me get back into the workforce and keep me grounded when things get overwhelming.
Years ago, I realized that HIV is no longer a death sentence. I am grateful to be alive. But none of this would have been possible without the support of Lifelong. Their community of dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters all make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV and other chronic illnesses. They provide people like me with practical services I need to survive, and—more importantly—live with a real sense of hope and empowerment.
As one of Lifelong's many clients, I can tell you firsthand that these programs work. Thank you to everyone involved—staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, donors, and board members. Your commitment really makes a difference in the lives of so many people.