HIV, a virus that attacks the immune system, carries with it many challenges and stigmas. While misconceptions remain about HIV in the general public, these four individuals are showing how, with the right care and support, life doesn’t end with an HIV diagnosis. In fact, individuals with HIV continue living their best life.
As a community healthcare system providing care to those who need it most, even if they can’t afford it, Legacy believes healthcare is a human right. For too long, HIV patients have lived with harmful stigmas, expensive medication, and little support, causing many to be unaware that effective HIV treatment and prevention options are accessible. With a goal of reducing HIV cases in Houston by half in the next five years and as a leader in statewide advocacy, Legacy is committed to making life-changing HIV care accessible to all.
Carlos’ Story
When Carlos suddenly lost 25% of his body weight due to illness, he was scared. Carlos sought care in Mexico while he waited for his health insurance to kick in, but his health deteriorated. When he finally got a diagnosis in a Brownsville hospital, he was shocked. Carlos had HIV.
“I felt destroyed,” he said. “I was afraid I would never be the same person I was before.”
But soon after arriving back in Houston, he discovered Legacy’s Montrose Clinic—and a glimmer of hope. At Legacy’s Montrose Clinic, Carlos was surprised to learn that with consistent treatment, HIV is a manageable disease, and that Legacy could provide that treatment. Carlos’ Health Prevention Specialist wasted no time getting Carlos into Legacy’s Rapid StART (antiretroviral therapy) Program for newly diagnosed HIV patients as well as connecting him with one of Legacy’s onsite Infectious Disease Specialists who would help Carlos manage his HIV.
“Many people at Legacy comforted me, educated me and genuinely cared for me,” Carlos said. “Their guidance has made a positive and long-lasting difference in my life.”
Alika’s Story
As recent immigrants to the US from Nigeria, Alika and her family weren’t sure where to turn when her health started failing. Thankfully, someone referred her to Legacy’s Montrose Clinic. Her Legacy care team worked quickly to reach a diagnosis while Alika—whose condition was deemed serious—was transferred to the hospital.
Alika received a twin diagnosis of HIV and pneumonia. Doctors began treating both conditions immediately. After a four-day hospital stay, Alika’s health improved and all the while, her Legacy Health Prevention Specialist checked in with her. She and her family had been so impressed not only with the prompt and exceptional medical care she received, but also the level of compassion they experienced at Legacy. For Alika, Legacy practiced what it preached: helping those in need.
As her health has continued to improve—she’s even looking for a new job—Alika still receives her HIV care at Legacy.
“My Legacy doctors and team gave me back my hope to live and pull through this crisis.”
Daisy’s Story
In the 80s and early 90s, HIV was erroneously considered a disease only contracted by gay white men. So, when Daisy received her HIV diagnosis in 1995, she was stunned. Then the questions came. Where would she get care and find support? Daisy felt alone. But then she discovered Legacy’s Montrose Clinic and found a place where she belonged.
At Legacy, not only did the philanthropically minded Daisy discover excellent care, community, and fellowship, she was inspired to join the Positive Organizing Project (POP+), an advocacy training program designed by and for people living with HIV. Today, Daisy is still active in helping HIV patients.
“Legacy taught me how to be an advocate,” she said. “I love it because afterward I can go out and talk to people about what’s important and about getting tested. I was able to learn how to go out into the community—to my church—and talk to people about HIV.”
David’s Story
At the onset of the AIDS crisis, uncertainty flooded the medical field. There was—and still is—no cure for HIV, but in 1983, there was barely treatment. David, who’s been living with HIV since 1983, remembers having trouble finding dignified, compassionate care at all.
Because of the inaccurate health information and deep stigmatization of the illness at the time, David thought the best he’d do was find palliative care if he ever arrived in hospice. That all changed in 2003 when he came to Legacy, then called Montrose Clinic.
“The care here is unparalleled,” he said. “The [physicians] are very compassionate, professional and they take care of all the needs of individual patients. The care is specialized, quality and efficient.”
When David began having eye problems (a common side-effect of the disease), Legacy’s on-site vision center and pharmacy made it easy for David to receive the care he needed at a cost he could afford.
“I don’t know if I could afford medication without Legacy,” David said. “Legacy, with its pharmacy, has provided all the medications I have ever needed. It’s extremely convenient and more personalized.”
David continues to thrive 40 years after his initial diagnosis thanks both to his resilience and to the superior care offered at Legacy.
Learn more
Legacy’s trusted health care professionals are here to help patients living with HIV start and stay on treatment. Legacy offers comprehensive services including primary care, case management, pharmacy, educational workshops, vision care, financial assistance, medication adherence counseling and wellness services. Receiving treatment and adhering to it lowers the amount of virus in an individual’s system which helps prevent the spread of HIV to others.
Discover the best in HIV care and live your best life with Legacy Community Health. Visit LegacyHIV.org to learn more and schedule an appointment.
The above story was produced by Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
