Hotep,
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you ingested the knowledge
of last week’s post, “3 Minutes 2 Death.” My cuzzo, Jasmine, has truly set the
tone for the 2k13 version of Black in the Box.” I originally ran the idea, to
use this piece, by my editor/homegirl months ago. Using this piece was always a priority; it
was just a question of when it would be released to the masses.
This year’s goal was to change the tone of “B.I.B.,” while
upholding the high degree of knowledge, traditionally spoken during this
celebratory month of Black history. I
think the literary flow of a young black woman embracing her newfound
independence does just that. Na mean?
Jasmine’s expression is a realization of how the H.I.V.
virus has impacted her generation. We
have Earvin “Magic” Johnson to thank for the deliverance of what can now be
seen as a primitive mind state. Long
gone are the days of societal ignorance influencing the stigma of H.I.V. being
exclusive to homosexuals. Magic’s
phenomenal recovery has opened the eyes of scientists and political savants
around the world. When asked what advice
he’d give to someone diagnosed with this disease, Magic has 3 words: “Take your
meds.”
On that note; I’d like to tell you about a person I see
every day – going toe to toe with the H.I.V. virus. I promised to protect his identity, so I’ll
just refer to him as “Lazarus.” A name tethered to the biblical character whose
life was restored after dying. What
you’re about to learn will help you understand why the name Lazarus is relevant
for this particular individual.
In 1995, Lazarus was a free man. He told me he was diagnosed in July of 95.’
“I was shocked. I felt let down because
I was infected through a blood transfusion.
Three months after the blood transfusion, I was informed I had
contracted the H.I.V. virus.” Wow! SMH.
Living with this disease for 17 years could be considered a
curse, but Lazarus prefers to look at the glass as half full. “When I was first diagnosed, the medication
wasn’t available at that time, for me to feel like I could live what might be
considered a normal life. I figured I’d
be gone in 4 or 5 years. Then in October
of 95’, my doctor informed me that three clinical drugs that were still being
tested, could be made available to me: AZT, 3TC – which is now Epivir and
DDI. These medications kept my condition
stable.”
There’s nothing definitive about Lazarus’ physical
appearance that screams: H.I.V. positive!
He’ currently taking a medicinal cocktail that corrals the virus into
his HDAC cell. This cocktail consists
of: Selzentry, Issentress, Epivir, and Aptivus – boosted with Norivir.
The experimental cancer drug, JQ, is projected to remove the
H.I.V. virus altogether. JQ, is still a
couple of years away from public access, but Lazarus will continue to fight the
good fight until it becomes available.
I also spoke with him about the Alabama Department of Corrections’
decision to segregate H.I.V. positive prisoners. “People with H.I.V. are already going through
enough. I remember how I was looked at
when I initially came to prison.
Segregation isn’t good for morale.
People suffering from this virus need to keep a high morale. If the prison system spent more time
educating prisoners about this disease, there would be no need for
segregation.”
When this Rap Session concluded, Lazarus gave me a pound,
then thanked me for the opportunity to be heard. His final thoughts will forever be his
legacy. “H.I.V. has gone from a terminal
illness to a chronic ailment. Take your
meds. If you skip more than three
continuous doses, the virus becomes resistant and the meds lose their potency.”
John 11:4
Stay Up,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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