Client 2 Profile

Story 2:

A major component of AIDS Athens' mission is providing case management to HIV positive individuals, their families and friends. This article tells the story about one such client: Michael* When Michael was 12, he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle and sustained serious head injuries. Despite suffering a mental disability as a result of this accident, Michael managed to complete high school and did so while living in the foster care system.

Upon graduation, Michael began to receive Supplemental Social Security benefits based upon his handicap; however, because it was believed that he could not manage his own funds, Michael was forced to live in the homes of trustees, who provided a constant reminder of his limitations rather than a means to improve.

Then in 1984, Michael was diagnosed as HIV positive. Like many people in his situation, all he could think about was dying. Eventually, this depression led Michael to become caught up in the drug scene of Atlanta in an effort to escape from the harsh reality he faced.

However, finally, in 1996, Michael's luck changed for the better when he met someone at Grady's Infectious Disease Program who, in time, became his partner. This man was the first person to really believe in Michael and helped him to see that he was not stupid and that he could manage his own finances and live on his own. Through the support of his partner, Michael soon learned how to manage a checkbook, run his own household and, most importantly, he was also able to gain sobriety.

In 2001, his partner became ill and decided to move back to Athens to be closer to his family. Michael moved with him and immediately enrolled in services provided by AIDS Athens. Unfortunately, the health of Michael's partner continued to deteriorate and he found himself taking care of the wonderful man who breathed life back into him.

Tragically, in June of 2003, his partner died and Michael fell into a severe depression. Once again, he turned to drugs to ease this pain. While the staff at AIDS Athens reached out to him, he was not ready to receive help. Michael did however stay compliant with his medical care, attended support groups, and participated in case management and other client services at AIDS Athens and the Specialty Care Clinic.

Michael finally hit his low point in September 2005 when he was unable to pay his rent and the thought of losing his apartment prompted Michael to attempt to quit drugs again.

For the next nine months, Michael fought to get clean and relied "on prayer and support from case managers and the staff at the Specialty Care Clinic and AIDS Athens to finally quit drugs again." Michael now proudly states he has been clean for 383 days and he continues to utilize the support services at AIDS Athens for his own needs, but also to serve as an inspiration to other clients.

* real name protected