Has anyone lost a friend/ family member to AIDS?

How did it affect them as a person emotionally to be diagnosed, and what did they do with their (remaining) life? Did the disease force them to change their attitude in any way, and did they speak out actively to others in supporting prevention? Thank you.

My uncle died 9 years ago from complications with AIDS; I was only 12 years old.

I didn't even know he had AIDS until he was dying in the hospital. My family decided to keep it from the children in the family (I was the oldest at 12). He never spoke of it and never let it affect him though. He was a huge part of my life and full of energy until the very end. I never could have imagined he would have such a horrible disease.

It is an awful way to die! Slowing withering away to nothing, and we couldn't do anything! I lost my favorite uncle and my mother lost her best friend, which all could have been prevented. It's so important for people to realize what a horrible thing AIDS is, and to protect themselves!

i had a confrnece with a charity thing, alot of people that we are trying to elp like raise money were infected with hiv in africa. alot of people just look on the bright sides of things...sorry if that isn't enough info...

I was an HIV case manager for 4 years. I met with people that had been newly diagnosed as well as people who had been positve for years. Some of my clients did pass away. For those newly diagnosed it took alot of time for them to come to terms with it. Some would change there lifestyle (ex: stop using drugs or sleeping around) others continued to on as they had before diagnonsis. Some spoke about prevention with others but many were too afraid to speak about HIV in general. One client I became particularly close to spoke about his disease and prevention of it when ever he could. Although he continued to "look for love" he did it safely and always disclosed his status to partners. unfortunatly he passed away in 2001.

My cousin Steve. It was devistating to him. He continued to live his life as always I don't think Steve ever said or did a hurtfull thing to anyone in his life. His live did not change after diagnosis. He died a painfull death. As a nurse I advise anyone in a sexual relationship to use condoms for sex and oral sex.

I have lots co-workers. It's sad and makes me take better care of myself. I work in the medical field so I try to really hard to encourage people to use protection and be much careful with who they play around with.

I lost my moms friend and mine to Aids, a gay man, he was such a great guy. He still lived his life, he went to college and took vacations. He lived until he was to sick too. I think it attitude was great. He was far better than I would be. He did not speak out

I lost a friend or two to Aids