AIDS Allies

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AIDS Allies – Story:

There are few things teenage girls like more than shopping for clothes. And it’s no fun alone. It isn’t easy facing HIV alone, either. But this 17-year-old – we’ll call her Kelli – has friends alongside for both. 

Julia and Lynn are United Methodist members of a support group called a “RAIN” team, for Regional Aids Interfaith Network. They help Kelli with her non-medical needs as she deals with the AIDS virus, life in foster care, coping with dialysis, fear of what’s to come. They’re committed to “being there” when Kelli is feeling good. And when she isn’t. 

Lynn Salvaggio / Regional AIDS Interfaith Network: “Her friends at school don’t know of her situation and she spent some time in the hospital and other places. And I think she sometimes feels like she’s alone, and I think it’s good for her to know that she has people who care about her.”

For Twanetta, having a RAIN team means there’s always someone to drive her to her doctor appointments. She was surrounded by support when her husband died recently of AIDS. And on this night, it means dinner out with a few of her team members. The caring is unconditional.

Twanetta / HIV Patient: “They know my background and they don’t hold that against me or anything like that. They take me as I am. I just love them. I love them to death. I mean I cannot picture my life without them.”

RAIN team members know that making a difference in someone’s life can be as simple as a shared meal or shopping with friends. And as profound as never having to feel alone.

In Charlotte, N.C., I’m Kim Riemland reporting.

AIDS Allies – Tag:

Each RAIN team is made up of eight or more trained volunteers, paired with one or two people living with AIDS.