This year marks my fourth year participating in Dining Out for Life. This cause is near to my heart as I have dear ones who are touched by HIV. HIV can affect anyone and it does not discriminate. With the help from modern medicine and support from agencies like AVOL, individuals LIVING with HIV are able to live long and healthy lives. 

Shared from AVOL's website:

At least half of Americans living with HIV experience homelessness or housing instability following diagnosis. Safe, stable housing provides the essential foundation for successful management of HIV and other chronic diseases.

Nearly 1 in 7 Americans (14.2%) with HIV are unaware of their diagnosis, and far too many persons living with HIV are diagnosed far too late in the course of their infection to fully benefit from available life extending treatment.

There is a cyclical relationship between stigma and HIV; people who experience stigma and discrimination are marginalised and made more vulnerable to HIV, while those living with HIV are more vulnerable to experiencing stigma and discrimination.

Please consider giving and helping to end HIV in the Commonwealth