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Crystal was on the fast track with her social
work career in Charlotte. Married, two
children-the ideal American family.
Crystal never thought about HIV/AIDS until her
husband was diagnosed and soon after lost his
fight with pneumonia. Devastated and
alone, Crystal became too ill to work and lost
her job and nearly her life. She got the
strength to disclose to her family in Durham and
they insisted she come home so they could help
care for her and the children. With the
help of ACRA and her family, she is becoming
stable and coming out of a lengthy depression
and a bout with pneumonia. She also has
signed on with ACRA's case management and is
accessing the services she needs to support her
and the family. |
Vince is a veteran who has worked most of his
life. After being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS,
he continued to work his landscaping job and
refused to apply for benefits because of the
stigma associated with HIV. The hard work
and long hours took their toll on Vince; he
developed neuropathy, a debilitating disease
which makes it very difficult to stand or walk.
His longtime partner was able to care for him
initially, but after a very difficult year,
Vince's partner left. Unable to care for
himself, Vince had two choices; the VA's nursing
home or Blevins House. Vince chose Blevins
for the level of care he would receive and the
homelike atmosphere. In addition, being
able to plant and tend to a garden has brought
Vince tremendous joy. |
