I'm a 49 year old gay male
living with AIDS; 
I'm an avid marathon runner; 
I spent most my adult life working as a biomedical research scientist but left work iu 1993 due to AIDS-related disabilities. In 1998, after experiencing the benefits of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), I was able to return to the working world.

I was born in Iowa and raised on a small farm. After graduating from high school in 1977 I attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City for three years. In Iowa City, I came out as a gay male and soon fell in love. I followed my love to Houston in 1980 where I finished my B.S. in Biology at the University of Houston in the Spring of 1981. I then attended the University of Texas-Health Science Center at Houston, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) and recieved my Ph.D. in molecular biology in 1987. After my doctoral studies, I worked in cancer research at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

I started a regular running routine in 1986 and quickly transformed myself into a high mileage runner.  I ran my first marathon (26.2 miles) at the Gay Games II in San Francisco in August 1986.

My experience at the Gay Games heightened my awareness of the AIDS crisis and the extent of my own risk.  Although the HIV test became available in 1985, I waited until November of 1988 to be tested.   Despite awareness of my risk, I was shocked when I tested positive.  Further tests showed that my immune system was already severely compromised.  I decided not to leave my support network in Houston for a job that I had already accepted at the National Institutes of Health in the Washington D.C. area, so I continued to work at MD Anderson Hospital.

I started antiviral therapy with AZT in 1989, when my T cell count dropped below 200 (currently an AIDS-defining condition).  My T cell count continued to decline.  I switched to other antiretrovirals or combinations as they became available.  No drug or combination reversed the deterioration of my immune system.

Running a marathon in Alaska sporting my
central-venous catheter
June, 1996

In September 1993, I left work due to AIDS-related disabilities.  I've lost all vision in one eye due to AIDS-associated CMV-retinitis.   Despite my poor health, I always pushed myself to continue long distance running; I've completed at least one marathon each year since 1986.

In the Fall of 1995, I started work on a Masters in Public Health in health promotion and education at the UT-Houston School of Public Health (UTSPH) with the firm belief that I wouldn't live to complete the degree. Within two weeks, I had to drop out due to health problems.

In March of 1996, with a CD4 count of only six, I started a triple drug antiretroviral regimen including a newly approved-protease inhibitor. Since then, my health has rebounded and I've been able to discontinue the daily IV treatments that had been a part of my life for almost two years.

Between Fall 96 and Spring 97 had the opportunity to be part of Project LEAP, an AIDS education and advocacy-training program.  Since 1997 I've served the HIV community as an external reviewer of agency proposals for Ryan White funding.

After a 5-year hiatus due to AIDS disabilities, I'm working again; now I'm a research associate at Baylor College of Medicine.  I'm working on the molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis...a significant problem to people with HIV disease.

Expanding my life through education and a wealth of person experiences has always been and remains a priority in my life. My life has been enriched by a wonderful family, loyal friends, and loving partnerships. My health has had it's ups and downs; now I'm up and feeling great!

My leisure interests include running, travel, wilderness hiking, attending films and theater, dining out, and exploring the web. I've been in a (serodiscordant) relationship with Al, my partner and lover, since September 1996. 

For links to more information and resources on AIDS, see my AIDS page.  For a more detailed account of my HIV experience, see my AIDS story.

My personal motto:
"Get busy living or get busy dying!" - The Shawshank Redemption

AIDS has taken half my vision, produced a gap in my resume, and left deep emotional scars. I owe my life to the new age of antiretroviral medicines, but now I'm forced to deal with the side-effects of AIDS-related treatment including elevated blood lipid levels and facial fat loss (lipoatrophy).

The World Health Organization estimates that over 30 million people are living with HIV globally.  Only a small fraction of these people can afford "HIV disease management"!  We need affordable treatments and prevention worldwide!

The battle is not over!

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