More Musings From Paul Kawata

2011 was a very busy year.  On behalf of the board and staff of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), thank you for all that you do to fight HIV/AIDS.  When future generations look back, hopefully this year will mark the start of the end of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  Wouldn’t that be wonderful and amazing?!

My first friend died of AIDS in 1983.  Since that time, all I’ve ever wanted was to be here for the end -- to live to see the realization of an AIDS-free generation.  However, even if we manage to stop the spread of HIV, we still need comprehensive HIV research for a vaccine and a cure.  There are over one million Americans living with HIV and AIDS.  We owe it to them to continue to fight until we have a cure.  

As recently as last year, I couldn’t have written these statements.  That’s how quickly things can change.  For the HIV/AIDS community, our ability to adapt is essential to our survival.  With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), 2012 Presidential Election, reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act (RWCA), changes to the HOPWA formulary, and full implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), the next two years will test our resolve, strength and courage.  

NMAC has been working hard over the last year to support our constituents and prepare them for the coming changes.  As the year comes to an end, we ask that you consider contributing to our work, so we can continue our mission of developing leadership in communities of color to END the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

It will not be easy.  Some of us will not make it.  But if we can keep the goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic at the forefront of our mind and our work, we may survive to experience that moment when it’s over, but there are no guarantees.  Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Last week I went to Doug Morgan’s funeral.  Doug was a leader at the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB).  He was also a friend.  His wife, Valerie Rochester, is a long serving NMAC board member.  Doug’s death was completely unexpected.  As I hugged Valerie, I didn’t know what to say.  She was putting on a brave face, but I can only imagine her pain over his sudden loss.  

I will spend the rest of my life fighting to end this epidemic.  I may not be here for the end, but I will still give one hell of a fight.  There is a scene at the end of the film Longtime Companion that is my fantasy.  The epidemic is over and our heroes are reunited with all the friends they lost along the way.  That is the moment I dream about, that is the moment that keeps me fighting to end this epidemic.

Thank you for your support of NMAC, your courage to fight this epidemic, and your determination to change the world.