HIV Did Not Just Disappear

Maybe we don’t hear about HIV as often anymore but the disease did not just disappear, it is still rampant in our world. Help the community of those suffering from HIV by learning how to donate your car. The Aids Community Research Consortium (ACRC) has a mission to help. They provide an educational support for those living with HIV in and around the San Mateo County Area. ACRC teaches those who suffer from these diseases how to live a healthier lifestyle, maintain better eating habits, take the proper medications and learn how to live with their disease. ACRC offers prevention programs to encourage those who live with HIV to not spread these diseases by providing condoms and safe needle exchange programs for those at risk. ACRC also provides a food program to implement a healthy eating lifestyle.

What is it like to live with HIV?

Take a moment to understand what living with this literal ” death sentence” disease is like. Here are some looming questions people who find out they are infected with HIV have:

1. Will I have to change my life?

HIV does not necessarily mean your whole life changes as much as you think. You will need to begin a treatment program and use some extra precautions but with proper medical treatment you can plan to live just as long as most anyone else.

2. Do I need to take medicine the rest of my life?

Yes, you will need to take medication for the rest of your life. This is a routine change but will help you live a longer and healthier life.

3. What are my numbers and what do they mean?

Previously, the CD4 number used to determine when treatment would begin but currently doctors recommend beginning treatment the moment you discover you are infected. The reason for this change is that HIV begins harming your body the moment you are infected so treatment as soon as possible is recommended. A CD4 number just charts the progression of your disease and how many antibodies you still have left to stay healthy.

4. What if I cannot pay for medical care?

Even if you do not have medical insurance there are many programs out there to help in your care. Do not just ignore your care because you do not have the money to pay for it.

5. I don’t want people to find out I have HIV, why do I need to tell anyone?

Telling people is your personal choice. Make sure you protect others from contracting the disease by being well educated. The new treatments do not affect your face and body like they used to so you will not look like you are physically ill any longer, as HIV patients did in the past. The most important thing to remember is not to spread this disease.

6. I don’t feel sick, am I?

Yes, the moment HIV enters your body it begins the attack and you are sick, even if you still feel fine. Treat HIV as a lifetime and long term disease even when you are still feeling the same as before and you will enjoy a longer and healthier life. Always remember you have the potential to give this to someone else.

7. Is there a cure?

HIV is a very complicated disease and there is no cure as of yet. Scientists are working hard at finding the cure but it will take more time. Early detection and treatment will allow anyone who has contracted the disease to live a long full life until a cure can be found.

HIV is a hard disease to live with but people can live for a long time with treatment. The stigma of the disease has lessened over time but people who have it need to be vigilant to protect others from getting it. Programs like ACRC are important in continued education and support for those who are not only at risk but those who have HIV.

By donating your car to help this worthy cause you are helping those who suffer from a modern day plague that is terrifying. To find out you have HIV then takes a lifetime of care to maintain your health. People do not die from HIV nearly as quickly as they used to when the disease went rampant in the 80’s and that is because of the care and research that has been rolling along for more than 30 years now. ACRC provides a little light at the end of a very long tunnel of fear and confusion for those who have HIV.

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Rebuilding Together: A Neighbor to Neighbor Housing Initiative

In the spring of 1973 a group of Midland, Texas community members noticed that some of their neighbors were struggling to make much needed improvements to their homes. They decided to work together, donating their time and resources, to help those neighbors improve the safety and beauty of their homes. The project was so successful that they did it again every year until in 1988 they organized themselves into a national charity called Rebuilding Together. Today, they work on home repair and refurbishing projects annually, helping low-income families all over America to have safe, healthy homes. And you can help too by donating your car through Donate A Car and turning your unused vehicle into a service opportunity.

Volunteers On a Mission

It’s the dream of most people to one day own their own home, but for some, once that dream is achieved they struggle with the continued upkeep on a home. Low income families often purchase less expensive homes that have smaller price tags, but larger problems to solve. Rebuilding Together helps low income families improve their homes, making them safer and healthier to live in, by organizing volunteers and gathering funds for supplies. With 200 chapters across the United States, they organize over 100,000 volunteers to serve on over 10,000 rebuilding projects.

There are many members of American communities who benefit from their help. The elderly, who want to stay in their homes but may be unable to do the heavy repair work necessary; wounded and disabled veterans who find it difficult to maneuver without handicap accessible entryways; low-income, single parents who struggle to find the time and extra funds to repair their homes. All of these individuals benefit from the generosity of friends, neighbors, and volunteers who believe that making the world a better place begins in their own communities.

Your Old Car = Safer Communities

By donating your old vehicle to Donate A Car you can help Rebuilding Together in their mission to improve communities across America. Donate A Car makes it easy by providing at home car pick up service and information to use your car donation as a tax deduction. Consider donating today, cleaning that old car out of your driveway will improve the homes of many families around the country.

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The Autism Society Celebrating 50 Years

A leading national grassroots organization, The Autism Society, supports and improves the lives of all those who are touched by autism. If you would like to support The Autism Society donating your car is a great way to contribute. Through improving the public awareness of those who are on the spectrum, The Autism Society works to help people day-to-day by offering services and information about education, treatment, advocacy, and research. Here is some more information:

History of The Autism Society

The Autism Society was founded in 1965 by Dr. Ruth Sullivan and Dr. Bernard Rimland along with several other parents who children have autism. The Autism Society is regard as the trusted and leading sources of reliable information about autism. The Autism Society has a strong network of national affiliates that has led a number of local and state legislation which included the Combating Autism Act in 2006 which was the first specific federal autism law. The website ran by the Autism Society is a leading website visited by those looking for information about autism. Autism Advocate is a quarterly journal put out by The Autism Society.

National Conference on Autism

One of the most comprehensive national conference is hosted by The Autism Society each year. More than 2,000 families each year are served and helped on their search for help with their journey with autism.

Autism Society National Office

The national office in Bethesda, Maryland, is the headquarters of The Autism Society. The society is proud to have members serving as part of their leadership that are on the autism spectrum. In 1988 the first member of the Autism Society Board of Directors was Temple Grandin. The top experts on autism are part of The Autism Society’s Panel of Professional Advisors. The Autism Society also has a panel that is made up of people who are on the spectrum to help advocate and create programs for people to live interdependent and fulfilling lives.

The Autism Society Mission

The mission of the Autism Society is to help all people whose life is and has been affected by autism. The society is made up of professionals, families, and individuals who spend thousands of hours volunteering to help improve people’s lives.

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How To Talk To Adoptive Parents

One in three people is connected to someone who is adopted, but not every knows what is appropriate to talk about to those who adopt. The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) promotes awareness of adoption, helps strengthen adoptive families, and educates others on adoption sensitivity. C.A.S.E. works to give families and professionals skills to help children thrive. You can also help support families by donating a vehicle. Being sensitive to those who have adopted children is important, here are some tips:

1. Be Patient

It is not every person’s right to know all the ins-and-outs of other people’s families. Be kind and polite to others goes a long way without prying. A family’s adoption story is their story, and they should not feel pressured to share it.

2. Don’t Get Too Personal

If an adopted family chooses to share part of their story, do not pepper them with deep questions about the biological parents. Also, do not use the phrase “real parents” when referring to biological parents, this is insensitive to the adoptive parents. Adoptive families are true families in every sense of the word.

3. Compliments Are Not Necessary

Telling adoptive parents that they are wonderful for taking on the challenge of adoption might make some people uncomfortable. Yes, their situation might be unique, but they have many of the same challenges as any other family. Look to build on things you have in common with each other instead pointing out differences.

4. Avoid Criticism

Although you don’t need to compliment people because they have chosen to adopt you should avoid criticizing someone, especially for their parenting style. You do not know the child’s background and what they need, the parents know best, and the way to support is to say nothing at all.

5. Ask For Guidance

If you are interested in adopting do not ask someone else to give you step by step directions. Asking for guidance is appropriate, like, “Where do I start?” or “Is there a good book or website I should read?”. You can also ask if someone has any advise, but do not expect all their hard work and time to be at your disposal.

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