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As someone who has survived living with HIV/AIDS for a quarter of a century, Bob Breining’s unique and heartfelt approach to the fight against HIV/AIDS is greatly welcomed. Bob exemplifies courage and compassion through his survival, as well as his advocacy and outreach. It is an honor to call Bob my friend.
In a relatively short time, Bob has gone from coping with the news of his own diagnosis, to sharing his story as a public speaker and through his personal blog. He has gone on to develop an informative and resourceful website, as well as creating a non-sexual caring online community for folks around the world who are HIV positive... POZIAM.
Bob’s tag line “In hopes of inspiring” is an understatement. This spirited young man has provided hope and inspiration to many, including me.
Each of us must find our place in the fight against AIDS, as well as in addressing its associated stigma. Without a doubt, Bob has carved a loving niche in providing comfort, education and awareness. He truly is an extraordinary soul! I am deeply inspired, not to mention forever grateful for his determined efforts.
~ Bob Bowers Founder and President, HIVictorious, Inc...........................................................................
POZIAM is one of the most exciting upcoming sites for HIV/AIDS. POZIAM is an assortment of family, friends, newbies and long-term survivors; specifically founded to benefit both infected and affected individuals. This is a great balance as some come here to learn, others come here to share.
There is no greater feeling than being comforted by someone who has experienced a diagnosis of HIV, or knowing you have helped someone realize that their journey is not one they need to take alone. Paths cross for many different reasons, diversity of the members makes it an interesting place to gather, communicate, and find support and acceptance.
The site offers a safe place to make friends, and find needed support and friendships by sending instant messages, utilizing the chat room, and posting public and/or private comments. I am very pleased with the friendliness and overall support of the members here on POZIAM. Great site, great support, and making new friends are just an added benefit.
~ Terry
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I actually wanted to thank you. We met briefly at World AIDS Day @ Broad Street Ministry. The t-shirt you were wearing... "POZIAM" just made me think...WOW!!! Here's a guy boldly going where I wish I went 17 years ago when I was first diagnosed. You really are an inspiration to all... young, old(er)... newly diagnosed/long term survivor. I just started posting on Poziam... because I still only have dial-up... But, as long as I'm connected to the HIV community... I'm good. Anyhoo, thanks! You are greatly appreciated...
~ Bless James..
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I was invited to POZIAM by Bob Bowers, aka One Tough Pirate and when I arrived, I instantly fell in love with everyone. POZIAM supplies the members with a safe, supportive environment where friendships are encouraged. I am proud to be a member of POZIAM, and even prouder to call each and every member a friend.
~ Jeromy...founder of POZITIVELYSPEAKING.COM
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This past year has been kind, saddening, and at times very rewarding. I will admit, that some of the best times have been meeting so many wonderful people including people from POZIAM. Like everyone else, yes I have met some... let's say... undesirable people, but that's life and so be it. A lot of people don't think true friendships can come from a website. I used to think that also. I was wrong. I have met some wonderful people and I am so thankful.
~ Jaxine
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..POZIAM is a great site for those who are questioning their status or just need support and help. On this site, you will find people who have been newly diagnosed and also those of us who have seen this disease from the beginning. Whether you are just diagnosed or a long term survivor, you will find knowledge, help and understanding here.
This site offers a nice place for people to meet and share their feeling, hopes and dreams without prejudice or fear of being out. Although the face of AIDS, and HIV has changed there is still prejudice and isolation in our world.
There are many people on this site who are moving and shaking our world and those who are just looking for friends and support. Feel free to browse around and find all of these things.
You will find that you are not alone in your feelings and concerns and that you can have a loving, respectful community to share with.
Live Love and Laugh ~ RyeGuy..........................................................................
..POZIAM.COM Paves the Way For a Stronger Community....
"Members are straight, gay, young, men and women, bonded by a desire to end society’s current stigma surrounding HIV by connecting with others."
2001 was the year that hijacked Americans, leaving us at ground zero with a new president, anthrax, and a federally imposed execution for the first time in 37 years. It was also the year Robert Breining was diagnosed with HIV; news that could have easily been misconstrued as a different kind of death sentence.
MIND THE GAPFortunately, Robert had doctors to reassure him that while there is currently no cure and no vaccine to prevent someone from getting HIV, there are highly effective combinations of various drugs that enable people to live long, healthy lives. Affectionately referred to as “the cocktail”, these antiretrovirals make it difficult for the virus to replicate and lessens the chance that a stronger mutation will occur.
But, between the CD4 cell counts and nNRTIs, Robert found little room for emotional comfort. “I have noticed that a lot of people, whoever they are, have a more difficult time handling my HIV diagnosis than I did,” he said. Wanting to do something proactive for others like himself, Robert filled the gap he thought was missing in the HIV community.
FINDING YOUR COMFORT ZONE“I learned how important it is for people who are newly diagnosed to find friends,” he said. Robert himself was in denial for the first four years after his diagnosis. Due partly to his doctors’ opinion that he not take medication until he showed signs of needing any, he faced unsettling statistics concerning youth and HIV before appearing in a video for the Does HIV Look Like Me? campaign.
In 2007, Robert Breining saw the launch of his website, POZIAM, and the beginning of what has now amounted to a positive community with members from the U.S., Philippines, the UK, Mexico, and the Ukraine. Members are straight, gay, young, men and women, bonded by a desire to end society’s current stigma surrounding HIV by connecting with others.
NO CRUISINGMost of POZIAM’s members are in relationships, a sign Robert is quick to point out when he clarifies that the community is for support. The website was designed so others around the world could share their stories … I wanted to talk to someone just like me. Someone who felt the pain I felt. Someone who could relate to my feelings.”
The website is full of catchy phrases and memorable mantras like “Spread the word, not the disease. I am positive.” And a play-on-words with “infected” and “affected”, all clever ways to help change how the disease is perceived. Robert’s goal to educate and his progressive attitude is infectious as he continues to spread his message through his own blog, website, and partners (including Hope’s Voice, Does HIV Look Like Me? And now BeOneCity).
NEXT STOPSo what new projects does Robert have on the horizon? His blog says he’s “in the works of getting a radio show for the site so you all can call in and ask questions to guests or even talk about your daily life.” Plans are already underway to set up an advice discussion group with men who have been positive for 20 years at Philadelphia’s AIDS walk on October 21. He also wants to tour high schools in addition to advocating what he refers to as “small scale stuff.”
Jack Mackenroth
Da Pirate
Marvelyn Brown
Living Positive By Design
Todd Murray
GetReal Philly
Hiv Campground Project
Terry Miller
POzplanet QUeertranswswmsman-catching machine
Sherri Lewis
Brian Morgan
Jesse Sanchez
Lauren Richards
DeVondia Roseborough
Janea Woods
Positively Aware
National Association NAPWA
Joseph Tittel
Tom Anderson
Comments
Jun 24 2009 9:55 PM
Jun 20 2009 5:08 PM
MyHotComments
Jun 10 2009 4:12 AM
NAMASTE!!!
Jun 11 2009 1:29 PM
Jun 15 2009 5:38 AM
NAMASTE!
~Bob
Jun 5 2009 6:19 PM
{{{Abrazos por el week-end!}}}
Jun 1 2009 3:36 AM
June 12, 13, 14 2009
Circle JJ Ranch
1104 Amsterdam Rd
Scio, Ohio 43988
1-330-627-3101
www.hiv-campground-project.org
http://circlejjranch.com
May 26 2009 3:31 PM
love and greetings from France
Sylvain
May 25 2009 8:24 PM
Blessings on this Memorial Day~Cherish Your Freedoms!
May 20 2009 11:08 PM
May 15 2009 3:46 PM
May 18 2009 6:15 PM
Gracias Mega Por Tu Amistad!!
{{Blessings}}
May 20 2009 10:33 AM
May 20 2009 10:40 AM
May 20 2009 5:15 PM
Gracias Megas Por Tu Amistad!!
May 20 2009 11:01 PM
May 17 2009 5:49 PM
May 14 2009 2:21 PM
Blessed Thursday and have a great weekend!
May 13 2009 2:12 AM
{{{ Blessings for your Week! }}}
May 12 2009 6:11 AM
May 11 2009 3:22 PM
May 9 2009 5:33 AM
As we become conscious, we're learning, to separate ourselves from the behaviour of others. And were learning to take responsibility for our healing, regardless of the people around us. Just as we may have believed that we're unlovable, we can become skilled at practicing the belief that we are lovable. This new belief will improve the quality of our relationships. It will improve our most important relationships: our relationships with our self. We will be able to let others love us and become open to the love and friendship we deserve.
Hugs & Blessings,
Crystal
May 7 2009 3:37 PM
To visit the conference webhome, you can hit the link: www.minority-healthcare.com
Love and PEACE to you all~~~~
May 5 2009 4:16 PM
Apr 30 2009 6:19 AM
Here are some examples of Random Kind Acts. Get inspired and get involved.
+ Smile at a friend or stranger, at work or school
+ Donate something of value to a shelter
+ Donate time and/or money to a non-profit that helps others
+ Pay for the vehicle behind you next time your at a fast-food drive-thru* (one of my personal favorites, especially when getting my morning coffee -- most others are doing the same and their bill is usually less than $2 or $3)
+ Run erands for an elderly or shut-in neighbor
+ Cut your neighbor's lawn or clear snow from their walk
+ When crossing a border where there is a fixed-cost toll, pay for the vehicle behind you* (ask for the receipt if you want to be certain the toll is paid)
+ Call a family member you haven't spoken to in a long time -- forget the "why" and work to get the relationship back on track
+ Plant a garden/tree/plant in your neighborhood
+ Volunteer at a school in your community
+ Put a quarter in an expired parking meter
+ Smile and say "good morning/afternoon/evening" to everyone you come in contact with
+ Give up your seat on the bus to someone who may need it more
+ Mentor a child at a school/Mosque/Church/Synagogue in your community
+ Conserve energy and recycle when/where you are able
* "Pay the deed forward and do something nice for someone today."
There is no limit to a person's capacity to give of themself. So what are you waiting for?
Make the world a better place.
Hugs & Blessings,
Crystal
Have A Great Day!!!