Sharing Our Stories with Young People...

In 1987 I was engaged to a man who, unknown to me until many years later, was bi-sexual. He was infected with the AIDS virus and consequently infected me. The relationship ended on its own, still without knowledge of his condition.

The shocking diagnosis of my full-blown AIDS did not come until September of 1997 at the age of 44. By this time I had started a new life and was engaged and living with a wonderful heterosexual man. The news was understandably too much for him to handle, our engagement was broken and I was asked to move out.

Not only was I diagnosed with AIDS, I was also diagnosed with bi-polar depression and was told my joint pains were fibromyalgia. This condition prevents me from doing many things including writing. Because of these disorders I have not been able to work and I am living on state and federal aid.

Myself, my friends and family were devastated with the unbelievable news that I had AIDS but the most difficult ones to tell and answer questions to were my 3 young nieces. AIDS is spreading at an alarming rate and no one is immune. I believe there is a lack of information regarding AIDS for young people such as my nieces.

In the past 18 months I have been through some very special awakenings. I want to share this information with young people in hopes of sparing what has happened to me. I feel there is a definite need for a child’s book on this subject. I have a strong desire to share my story with children and their parents. I want them to be aware of their choices and where those choices will lead them.

Clown Therapy?

What is it? Come find out at Project Wish. Ever notice how much better you feel after a good laugh? Cheryl Carp is going to come give us a demonstration of how to use humor as a healing tool. Cheryl works at the Crisis Intervention section of the Mental Health Center of Harborview Medical Center. We’ll meet at the Project Wish group meeting on Monday, July 12, from 12:30 to 2:00. Come have lunch and have fun!

A few thoughts sent to us by a BABE...

“A human being is truly ethical only when that person obeys the compulsion to help all life which she/he is able to assist, and shrinks from injuring anything that lives”

“The plain fact is that the planet does not need more “successful” people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every shape and form. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world more habitable and humane.”

Make some Summer Plans!

We all know summer is not forever here in Seattle, so don’t let it slip by without getting out and having some fun! Here are a few events that you won’t want to miss…

Let’s go Kayaking!

What could be better on a July evening than paddling into the sunset at dusk on Lake Union? Don’t plan anything else for Friday, July 23 at 7:30pm! Expert kayak pros will be there to show us what do to, so no prior “yachting” experience is needed. We will have Mexican food at the café at the Agua Verde Paddle Club, and push-off from the dock is at 7:30pm. We wil leave the BABES office at 6:00 sharp, or call BABES for directions to Agua Verde, 1303 Boat St., 545-8570, in the University District. And please, RSVP by Thursday, July 22 at BABES 720- 5566 to let us know you want to come so we can give those kayak pros a head count for the boats. You don’t need to get in a kayak to have fun... come for dinner and hang out on the dock watching the sunset until the paddlers return.

Summer Picnic!

How about spending an afternoon in the park? Play a little Frisbee, catch a few rays, chat with old friends and meet new friends, but most importantly come eat great food! Come to our annual picnic at beautiful Seward Park on Sunday, August 22 from noon to 4pm. Let us know at BABES if you need a ride.

Plan to Attend the Retreat!

The BABES retreat will be held from September 23 to 26 this year, in beautiful Port Townsend. All HIV+ women are welcome and encouraged to attend. We will have a sign up process with forms to fill out and what not, but we wanted to give you the “heads up.” So mark your calendars today. You won’t want to miss this!!!! It’s fun. It’s relaxing. It’s like camp only without the uncomfortable bunk beds!

Volunteer Opportunities

Did you know that you are a critical part of BABES? It’s true. What’s more, if you have a bit of free time, you can help us out. We need you to do all kinds of things. Some of them are listed here, but if you have another skill or idea you’d like to help us with, talk to Loren at extension 12, and she’ll find a place for you. Here are some things we need help with:

• Reception Wizard:
  “BABES Network, how can I help you?” We need people who can simply answer the phone during our staff meetings and at other times as well. Benefits: Get to flirt with the mailman. Get to see Poz magazine before anyone else. When it’s slow, you can play “Slime Invaders.”
  
  
• Computer Goddess:
  With the end of our National Library of Medicine award, we don’t have anyone to teach women how to use computers, or talk them through difficulties. Do you have computer skills that you are willing to share with the other BABES? Benefits: BABES members and staff will look upon you with respect and awe. There’s nothing so rewarding as being someone’s personal technology savior...but don’t let it go to your head.
  
  
• Newshound:
  What’s the scoop? You will be the one to find out first, and then share your brilliant insight with the rest of us through your hard-hitting journalistic style. But wait, there’s more!! There are literally tons of things that you can do related to the newsletter: help mail it out, write your story, help someone else write their story, edit, help with layout and typing, come up with ideas for stories, trans late articles into Spanish. Benefits: Be where all the action happens. See your name (or your pen name) in print.
  
  
• Mistress of Language:
  Are you fluent in Spanish? We need someone who can translate articles into Spanish for the newsletter, and/or occasionally write things in Spanish. Are you her? Benefits: Not only do you get your name in print, but also you are listed as an EDITOR in each and every issue ON THE FRONT PAGE. Gossip has it that Loren has a small shrine... Magic Closet Maven: Clothes come in, clothes go out…clothes become a big mess. Use your organizational skills to sort through the madness! Benefits: Knowing that you have made it possible for another BABES to locate that perfect outfit. You can spend many hours trying on the leather miniskirts.
  
  
• Marian the Librarian:
  We get all kinds of STUFF from all kinds of places. Some of it is junk; some of it is life saving information. We have no way of knowing which is which unless someone sorts through and organizes it all. Is that you? Benefits: You may discover a hidden piece of information that makes a critical difference in your life. You can proudly say, “All of that stuff at the BABES office was a MESS until I showed up.”
  
  
• OR…What do you want to do?

Thank You...

We’d all love to express our heartfelt thanks to those generous donations towards one of our favorite pastimes, eating! Including lunch with our weekly support groups and snacks with our events and activities makes such a difference, and we are all grateful for it. BABES staff and members all appreciate your personal commitment and the contributions of your organizations. Thanks!

Kelley A. Eddy - Merck & Co., Inc.
Melissa Welch - DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company
Wes Dover - Roxanne Laboratories, Inc.
Scott Cleary - Glaxo Wellcome, Inc.
Christopher Happel - Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Changes at BABES ...
and what they mean for you

Bye-Bye to Sue
Sue Mallaghan, our Volunteer and Events Coordinator leaves BABES at the end of June. Sue has worked with the organization for three years, starting as a Peer Counselor/Advocate. We wish her well in her future adventures.

No More Computer
Guru Loren’s position as Computer Resource ends June 30. This means that there will be no one at BABES to help you with the computers in the office, or the ones we have given away!!!!! We are working to come up with a list of people and places you can call for free or low cost help.

Loren’s New Position
Starting July 1, Loren will attempt to fill Sue’s shoes coordinating volunteers and arranging events. She will continue her work with the newsletter. So if you want to volunteer or have friends who want to volunteer, call Loren. Loren is also the person who will be organizing the retreat September 23 to 26. This will be her first time doing this, so please be gentle.

Julie’s Back
After time off to attend to her health woes, Julia Sterling is back at BABES. She will be outreaching to providers, working with Loren on the newsletter, and doing some peer counseling and advocacy.

How and Where to Find BABES Staff

Most of the BABES staff work part time, while others work at more than one location or are in regularly scheduled meetings. In addition, you cannot reach any of us from 11 to 2 on Tuesdays when we have our weekly staff meeting. Here are some tips on finding your favorite BABES staff people:

Deborah Hudson-Consumer/Family Advocate:
Deborah works at both the BABES office and at Northwest Family Center (NWFC). She facilitates the Thursday group at BABES and the Monday Project WISH at NWFC. You can reach her at BABES all day on Wednesdays, and after group on Thursdays. She’s available at NWFC after Project WISH on Mondays and on Tuesday afternoons. At BABES call 206-720-5566, ext. 11. At NWFC call 206-731-2560. She doesn’t have voicemail at that number, so if you don’t get her you may want to call the main NWFC number: 206-731-3066

Laura Camacho-Peer Counselor/Advocate:
Laura facilitates the Thursday support group with Deborah. You can reach her from 11 to 6 on Mondays and Fridays, or after group on Thursdays. She’s not in on some Fridays due to committee meetings. Call 206-720-5566, ext. 16 (that’s a new extension, by the way).

Julia Sterling-Peer Counselor/Advocate:
Julia works from 10 until 2 on Mondays and Fridays. Because she does presentations to providers she may be out of the office for part of this time. Call her at 206-720-5566, ext. 10.

Loren Trayes-Volunteer Coordinator/Newsletter Editor:
Loren will be working on Tuesdays and Thursdays only during the summer. We hope to have the resources to increase her hours in the fall. To reach Loren call 206-720-5566, ext. 12...but remember, she can’t help you with computer stuff.

Jesse Chipps-Director:
Jesse facilitates project WISH on Mondays, and has a variety of meetings which pull her out of the office. The best days to catch her are on Mondays after group and Fridays. Her number is 206-720-5566, ext. 15.

New location information for IAM CARES, Work Options Program

If you are looking for a job, IAM Cares and Work Options can help. Services include skills assessment, career and benefits counseling, training and retraining information, resume assistance, job leads and referrals, and job retention services. If you have questions, call
Aaron Guerrero, Employment Coordinator.
1265 S. Main St, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 323-6475 office (206) 323-6493 fax

Healing Ritual Circle

The Friends for Life presents an opportunity to come together for a Healing Ritual Circle. This gathering will be held Sunday, August 22, 11:30am - 3:00pm at the Arboretum, (meet in the parking lot of the Japanese Garden). Call 206.264.5255, fax 206.374.6330 or e-mail friends@friends-for-life.org for questions and to reserve. This class available to all with life- challenging illnesses, as well as to family, friends, and caregivers. There is no charge. The intention of this ritual is to create a safe space for all participants to find the healer within and to share that experience. We will be using guided meditation, sound, and movement to explore, express, and nurture the parts of ourselves that already know how to heal.

* Bring an object that symbolizes healing and/or musical instrument, drums, etc.

Start your own business and get a free computer

Excel Communications Inc., the fourth largest long distance company in the United States based on revenue and capacity, is giving you the opportunity to receive a free Dell home computer system by becoming an Excel Independent Representative. You will receive a brand new Dell Dimension personal computer when you:

Sign up for two years of Excel long distance and Internet services. - Become a U.S. independent Representative - Gather 10 active Excel residential long distance customers

To find out more, look it up the Excel web-site at www.Up2me.com/htdocs/freepc/index.html Or come in to the BABES office and we can sign you up on one of our computers.

What is Cryptosporidium?

Crytosporidium is a parasite commonly found in surface waters such as lakes and rivers, especially when the water is in contact with animal wastes and sewage. There are many pathways to infection. People can contract cryptosporidiosis from drinking contaminated water or eating raw or undercooked food contaminated with Crytosporidia. In addition, close exposure to fecally contaminated surfaces of infected individuals or animals and exposure to contaminated soil, pools or lakes can cause infection. Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis from person-to-person transmission have occurred in day care centers, in health care provider field, and through sexual contact.

After oocysts are ingested, the incubation period before illness onset varies from two to twelve days, generally averaging seven days. Even if small amounts of oocysts are swallowed, they can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and low- grade fever. These symptoms may lead to weight loss, dehydration, and possibly death. Not everyone exposed to the disease becomes ill or displays symptoms. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Environmental Protection Agency / Center for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Crytosporidium and other micobial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). There’s also a water quality phone line at 206-615-0827.

If you think you may be at risk for Cryptosporidium or have more questions regarding the parasite, contact your local health care provider.

Traveling with HIV

In the United States or abroad? When you travel, you risk coming into contact with germs you might not find at home. Many of these germs can make you very sick. For people with special health needs, travel can be risky to their health. If you have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-the virus that causes AIDS-you should have all the facts. Travel, especially to developing countries, can increase your risk of getting opportunistic infections. The best thing you can do when you travel is to know the medical risks and to take steps to protect yourself.

Before You Travel:
Talk to your doctor or an expert in travel medicine about health risks in the area you plan to visit. They can tell you how to keep yourself healthy when you travel to places where certain illnesses are a problem. They also can tell you about places that might not be safe for you to visit. Ask them if they know of doctors who treat people with HIV in the region you plan to visit. Plan in advance for problems that might come up.Traveler’s diarrhea is a common problem. Carry a 3- to 7-day supply of medicine (antibiotics) to treat it. A common drug for traveler’s diarrhea is ciprofloxacin (SIP-ro-flocks-uh-sin). If you are pregnant, your doctor may suggest you take TMP- SMX trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [try- METH-o-prim - sul-fa-meth- OX-uh-sole]) instead.

Insect-borne diseases are also a major problem in many areas. Take a good supply of an insect repellent that contains 30 percent or less “Deet” with you. Plan to sleep under a mosquito net, preferably one treated with permethrin, in places where there is malaria or dengue [DEN- gay] fever. Unless you need to go there, avoid areas where yellow fever is found. Ask your doctor if you need to take medicine or get special vaccinations before you travel. He or she will know which vaccines are safe for you. Your doctor will also know the best ways to protect you from such things as malaria, typhoid fever, and hepatitis. Make sure all your routine vaccinations are up to date. If you are leaving the United States, make sure you know if the countries you plan to visit have special health rules for visitors. These rules can include vaccinations that may not be safe for HIV-infected people to take. Your doctor or local health department can help you with this. If you have medical insurance, check to see what it covers when you are away from home. Many insurance plans have limited benefits outside the United States. Very few plans cover the cost of flying you back to the United States if you become very sick. Make sure your paperwork is in order, and take along proof of insurance when you travel.

When You Travel:

Food and water in developing countries may not be as clean as they are at home. These items might contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites that could make you sick. Do not eat raw fruit and vegetables that you do not peel yourself, raw or undercooked seafood or meat, unpasteurized dairy products, or anything from a street vendor. Also, do not drink tap water, drinks made with tap water, or with ice made from tap water, or unpasteurized milk. Food and drinks that are generally safe include steaming-hot foods, fruits that you peel yourself, bottled (especially carbonated) drinks, hot coffee or tea, beer, wine, and water that you bring to a rolling boil for1 full minute. If you can’t boil your water, you can filter and treat it with iodine or chlorine, but this will not work as well as boiling.

Tuberculosis, or "TB," is very common worldwide, and can be severe in people with HIV. Avoid hospitals and clinics where coughing TB patients are treated. When back in the United States, have your doctor test you for TB.

In many places, animals may roam more freely than they do in the area where you live. If you think animals have left droppings on beaches or other areas, always wear shoes and protective clothing and sit on a towel to avoid direct contact with the sand or soil.

Swimming can make you sick if you swallow water. You should never swim in water that might contain even very small amounts of sewage or animal waste. To make sure that you get the most fun from your trip, protect your health (and the health of others) just as you do at home.

Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor. If your doctor has you on a special diet, stick with it. Take the same precautions that you take at home to prevent giving HIV to others.

This information was provided by Centers for Disease Control & Prevention National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention