HIV Care Clients Come Together to Reflect and Feast

The Living Well Network held its monthly Joy Luck Club support meeting and Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration earlier this month. Each monthly meeting also has an educational presentation tied to it. This month, a representative from Bristol-Myers Squibb facilitated an interactive discussion with clients and their guests on "Understanding Stigma & HIV Disease."

"The presenter made it easy for clients to relate to the discussion because he shared his own experiences on being discriminated against as an HIV-positive gay man," says Dennis Mallilin, Senior Case Manager and Psychotherapist for our clients. "His story made the clients feel comfortable and he was perceived as one of them. The clients felt empowered in knowing that they could fight stigma and discrimination by being aware of their rights and by supporting each other." One of our clients said he "really enjoyed the presentation and the interaction really made the topic easier to understand."

After the discussion, the group observed a moment of silence and lit candles to remember and pay respect to one of our peer leaders and clients who recently passed away.

This emotional tribute was followed up by a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. Turkey with all the trimmings, along with ham and a multitude of pies were served. Thanks to Bristol-Myers Squibb for providing the food, and thank you to our clients that came to break bread with us!