The events of September 11th convinced me to enlist in the army. With Uncle Sam's guidance, I would defend my country. Then, in an instant, the safe harbors of my life's plan came crashing down. Three military medics stuttered out the words, "You're HIV positive," then dashed me down a neon white corridor and scurried me out the door.

They were supposed to be sending me away to boot camp that very day. I was going to become a soldier for America. Instead, this soldier's fight was transformed into a personal war. There I was, a literal army of one, struggling to recover from the devastation of this diagnosis. I felt bewildered, alienated, rejected, and lost.

Thankfully, I found my footing with the help of the Utah AIDS Foundation. They were welcoming and they knew what I needed in a time when I did not. Because of their support, I now have the tools I need to help with the everyday demands of living with HIV.

But there are hundreds of others who still need help. People are becoming HIV positive every day. In fact, local infection rates are increasing each year. Prevention and education programs are more important than ever. In addition to providing HIV prevention to those at risk, and supportive services for people living with HIV, UAF offers free and low cost testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

But your help is needed to continue these vital programs.

Make a donation to the Utah AIDS Foundation today. Your support will ensure that they can continue to provide relevant and uncompromised programs and services to people who need them as desperately as I did.

Sincerely,
David Andrews
Utah AIDS Foundation Volunteer

P.S. Make a donation today to support the crucial programs of the Utah AIDS Foundation. Don't wait until you or someone you love encounters a fight with this disease like I did. You can also donate online by visiting www.utahaids.org.