Fine food, music, and awareness of HIV/AIDS

HIV and AIDS are not topics that are discussed that often in Creemore. For many people in these parts, AIDS is a disease that peaked long ago, or one that thrives in far off places.

But AIDS exists in Simcoe County. Every year, somewhere between 10 and 15 County residents are reported to be newly infected with the HIV virus. It’s estimated that up to five more are infected without knowing it.

No statistics are kept on total cases, but there’s no doubt its a growing number.

Living with HIV or AIDS anywhere involves dealing with an awful lot of stigma, and in Simcoe County there’s no doubt it can be even worse.

That’s where the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County comes in. Founded in 1995 in a time of tremendous need, the ACSC continues to provide non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential support to individuals infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

On Thursday, May 10, the ACSC will hold its second annual fundraising event in Creemore, in conjunction with the Bank Cafe.

“Creemore Cares: an Evening of Fine Food, Music, Awareness and Giving is a tribute to the open hearts of the town of Creemore,” said ACSC president Marc Cohen. That’s because, despite the previously stated fact that HIV/AIDS is not a frontline issue here in Creemore, last year’s inaugural ACSC fundraiser was a great success, filling the Bank Cafe to capacity.

In gratitude, this year’s event will be bigger and better. It will take place at the Station on the Green and will feature a three-course dinner prepared by the Bank Cafe, a silent auction and live music by Scott Cooper and Coco Love Alcorn (above). “We are truly taking this to the next level,” said Cohen. “It is communities like Creemore that will help us bring much needed awareness, critically needed funding and an end to stigma and discrimination.”

Those last two words are well known to Donna, a 63-year-old woman living with HIV in Orillia. Gerry Croteau, the ACSC’s executive director, arranged for us to speak with Donna in an effort to put a face to the disease in Simcoe County.

“I would not be living here if it wasn’t for the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County,” said Donna, a native of Canada who spent much of her life in the US before relocating to Orillia at the behest of her sister, who is based in the area.

Twenty years ago, Donna was a recent divorcee when she began a relationship with a man who happened to have had a bad motorcycle accident that had required multiple blood transfusions in the early 1980s. “I suppose I should have realized the risk, but emotions got in the way,” said Donna.

The pair had a shortlived relationship, and soon after she found out that the man had become sick and been diagnosed with full-blown AIDS. Donna was tested soon after, and received the news she’s still living with today.

The outlook for HIV sufferers these days, if the diagnosis comes early and the proper diet and drug regime is followed, is a 40-year-lifespan post-diagnosis. Donna’s health is good, but your health is not the only baggage you must carry.

“For much of my time with HIV, I have felt quite isolated,” she said. “Before I moved here, I rarely had the opportunity to be with other people who have HIV. And I don’t disclose my status to that many people – I’ve had many friends drop out of sight when I did tell them.”

The ACSC has changed that. Providing one-on-one counselling and general support, the Committee also holds get-togethers and retreats where those with HIV/AIDS can get together. Through those avenues, Donna has become more involved, participating at provincial women’s conferences and working as a research assistant with the Ontario HIV Treatment Network. “Without the ACSC, none of that would be happening,” she said.

The ACSC has another focus as well, one that’s equally important.

“Awareness is the key to prevention,” says Cohen, The ACSC is ramping up its education efforts, attempting to get the message out that the disease has never gone away, and it has never stopped spreading.

“We are all collectively vulnerable,” he said. “It could be any one of us. If you are not monogomous, you need to protect yourself and get tested regularly. And if you are in a monogomous relationship, you need to stay monogomous, for the health of both partners.”

Tickets for the Creemore Cares events are $50, and can be acquired by contacting 705-722-6778 or emailing acscboard@rogers.com.