POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: zephyr on August 05, 2006, 07:02:04 pm
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To My Forum Family...
Please pardon my random check-in's these days, a full schedule and travel deadlines loom large in front of me!
I want to take this opportunity to share with you a rather special and unexpected event that rocked my world recently.......
In 10 short days, I will find myself in the midst of the going's on at the International AIDS Conference - Toronto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been invited to join Dr. Bruce Walker for a major Press Release on Wednesday, August 16th, at 1:00 p.m, in an attempt to recruit more participants to the Elite Controller clinical study currently in full swing back in Boston.
I will be flown into Toronto on Tuesday, the 15th, and have graciously been offered housing by another member from the ICW (International Conference of Women--a co-sponsor of the IAC).
It's taken me a while to process this invitation, along with everything else that is going on for me right now, and I beg your (collective) forgiveness for this tardy announcement. As you can imagine, the implications of this are rather large for this solitary, small town gal.
As the title of this thread suggests, the research scientists are certainly 'working on a mystery', and I seem to be 'running toward that dream' of a breakthrough with them...Tom Petty's song was on the radio that morning as I drove down to Sacramento for a Planning Council meet, and I couldn't ignore how appropriate it was.
Everyone who has touched my life since last September here on AM must realize that it is YOU who prepared me for an appearance such as this.
I know that had this invitation been extended to me just a short year ago, I would have said, no thanks! Yet, as I have considered the changes I have made these past 6 months or so, my strength and courage has come from each of you.
As long as I'm updating here, I am proud to announce that the first installment of my newspaper article was released yesterday, with the second and third coming Monday and Wednesday next week. I am so impressed with the young reporter's writing skill, she definitely is in prize category with this composition. Unfortunately, there seems to be some hesitation with the Publisher to put it on-line, but I will be meeting him on Monday to seek permission to link you online. (Wish me luck!) Should I fail in my mission, then I will hand type the entire piece for you, installment by installment.
My life is moving fast these days, and I am humbled by ALL of it. I couldn't have gotten here without you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Little did I know the changes that were in front of me last summer, when I hooked up this new computer! Astounding, what can happen when you find your community and they give you encouragement and support!
My kindred brother, Paul, (OzPaul) and kindred sister, Pam (drerp3) have honored me with their blessings on representing them in Toronto.
I am thinking about our other members who have joined the study as well, and can only hope I am a worthy spokesperson for them, too.
Even as I sit here, typing these words, I can't believe it. Words just don't seem to express the incredible joy I hold inside, that I have an opportunity to represent all of you.
I am thrilled beyond words that on the very next day I will be embracing my AM family members in Montreal, people who took the time to read my stories and join this odd journey I seem to be on. Knowing I will be in their presence is what is going to see me through this remarkable and unexpected event.
In great admiration and love,
Zephyr (who is riding this wind of change and holdin' on tight!)
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You go girl!
Isn't always interesting how when you make a decision to make changes in your life, that the exact thing you wanted, falls right into your lap? I personally could not and would not think of anyone else that I would want to represent us..........You are going to kick ass and take names. I just wish I could be there to see it.......but I would probably be really disruptive with all my GO ZEPHIE!, ZEPHIE ROCKS! and YOU GO GIRL! signs, oh let's not forget the bullhorns!!!
I am loving you so much back................hope that you can feel it!
Lisa
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Hello Zephie, it is Eldon. I wanted to wish you the best in all of your efforts! Also, it is good news on the newspaer that they released your article! Good Luck!
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Dearest Zephie
I'm soooo proud of you !!! This past year as we've become friends through the Harvard study, I've been thrilled to get to know my kindred ( and maybe genetic in a sense) sister. After two decades of being poz and well I was able to share to blessing and miracle with another who lives this miracle.
Here at the forums you represent the very best of us. Kindness, compassion, spirit, humor, dedication, passion and eloquent in words and phrases.
I know that you will make a big and positive impression at the IAC when you appear at the news conference with Bruce Walker. I am honored that you'll represent us LTNP's and other affected by HIV/AIDS.
Congrats too on the newspaper article. It's good that they have, at last started to publish the article/interview.
You live large in the world and that takes great courage and strength both of which you have in spades.
I'm proud to say you are my friend.
Big Aussie hugs
Ciao Bella
Paul xxxooo
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Wow Zeph!!! Way To GO! It is nice to see that once in a while GREAT things happen to GREAT people. I'm so happy for you! Have a great trip.
Love and support, Jeff
((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))
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Hello Zeph,
Thanks for an uplifting and exciting post !!! I am VERY excited for you and wish you absolutely the best in Toronto. Make sure to keep us updated, You will most likely be on a tight schedule, but do try to make some time for yourself and see the city. I always enjoyed Toronto !!And Montreal the next day...Fantastic !!
Your really moving in the fast lane !!! Wishing you the best !! :)
Ray
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If you don't know how proud of you I am and how much I adore you I'll whap ya upside the head.
In all seriousness, as I've told you numerous times, you're the #1 person for the job. You'll bring about great change!
-Danny
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Leave it to you to lift me up when I'm a little low...
As always, you are magnificent. I hope you have a wonderful time in Toronto, for a minute I was scared that was going to keep you from coming to Montreal....but I see you will be there as planned!
Love,
Alan
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I guess I'm elated...
Wonderful news Zeph.
YOU ROCK GIRLFRIEND!!!
NOW THIS IS WHERE I WANTED TO POST ORIGINALLY
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You know, it gives me pause to see myself in active, ongoing dialogue with some of the foremost authorities, the movers and shakers, the true heavyweights in the fight against HIV.
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Dear Zephie,
It seems like each and every day, something new and exciting is going on. Seems like only yesterday there was a 6.5 magnitude quake in the Sierra Foothills. Sure enough there was, it was Zephyr shaking that ground to make a difference in our world. When you are in the interview with Dr. Walker, it really IS about you, and ALL of US living with what they are calling a manageable illness. Have the best day
Michael
www.Commission-on-AIDS.org (http://www.Commission-on-AIDS.org)
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the cool, gentle breeze of the west makes its way across the country becoming stronger and stronger with every breath she takes.
She makes us all proud.
robert
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Yes Robert, She does make us proud! Have the best day
Michael
www.Commission-on-AIDS.org (http://www.Commission-on-AIDS.org)
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Onward and upward Ms. Zephyr!!!
Congratulations and thanks!!!
I'm dying to know what this breakthrough IS.
love,
brian
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Hi, Zephyr!
I know something good and revolutionary is going to come from all this. I am willing to read that newspaper. Hope it is available online soon.
Hugs and Kisses from Madrid, where the temperature is 2.000º Celsius...
Juan.
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Zephyr you are awe-inspiring!
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Dear Ones...
And so my Sunday begins with being deeply touched by your comments on these spectacular events in my life...I am grateful for your taking time in your day to respond to my news with such wonderful sentiments and support.
I've already been busy this morning, early, to compose a Letter to the Editor of the local newspaper, which I will hand deliver tomorrow. And, Moffie and I have figured out a way to work around the barrier presented in order to post the article to all of you here on the Forums.
Let's see, under Tim's patient tutelage, I am going to cut and paste for the first time, and share my letter with you. Hope it works!
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Well, got it attached, the cut and paste did not work. Not quite what I wanted to do. Hmm.
I'm not very good at these word processing skills....
Anyway, my heart is so full of gratitude right now, nothing can get in the way of that!!
Love,
Zephyr (who will ride this wave until she can't anymore)
modified to make a correction to the letter!
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As always I stand in Awe of you my dear Sister! Thank you for doing what you do and being the incredible woman you are Honey!
Hugs
Jena
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Hi Girlfriend,
So glad to be a part of the Mystery, and am buckled in for the reveal of the Dream.
Sorry my tutoring is lost sometimes on my poor brain. Please ignore the "attachment" function, place your cursor where you want to start your "copy-n-paste", right click on the cursor, and when the drop down menu appears, "Left" click on "Paste" and your "copy" will appear.
Try again when you get something else to copy here. The article I e-mailed to you this afternoon should be quite easy to "Copy-n-Paste".
Anyway, you absolutely know I am in your corner, and I cannot believe how joyful it is to see you and others here, (Jeff.....) taking on the work that so desperately needs doing.
In Love and Awe. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
P.S. Not showing off here, just thought I would copy the "Letter To The Editor" here for all to see, just in case they could not download the Attachment.
Michael E. Raffety, Editor
Mountain Democrat
1360 Broadway
Placerville, CA 95667
August 6, 2006
Editor:
My sincere commendations to both you and Ms. Sonya Sorich on the compelling series on HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Sorich has brilliantly portrayed the “tight-rope” balancing act many of us walk as we live with an HIV-positive diagnosis.
We, as a society, must recognize that we are facing the worst bio-medical event in the history of mankind, with over 60 million infections since 1981 and the loss of 20 million souls. (New York Times, June 1, 2006). While the number of locally reported cases seems insignificant when compared to statistics such as these, the lives of those affected are not.
As newly diagnosed infections in women and children rise dramatically, it is imperative that we implement more programs for the education of our youth, with plainly spoken prevention messages. As a friend of mine so eloquently wrote: “As long as we keep sex education swept under the carpet, we are going to have the dry-rot of HIV spreading silently beneath the floor-boards of society.” – Ann
AIDS caused the death of 500,000 children under the age of 15 during 2003. (San Francisco AIDS Foundation, January 2006).
In this information age, we have a genuine opportunity to educate ourselves and those we care for on the HIV/AIDS issue. This, combined with the unified voices of people living with the virus, will mean we hold the sharpest sword with which to stem this tide.
Respectfully,
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:-* mmmwwaaa baybee! Montreal!!!!
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Zephyr,
That is amazing. I am honored to be represented by you. Fantastic!
Christine