Honoring HIV Long-Term Survivors

God’s Love was founded in 1985 as a response to HIV. Forty years later, we honor those who are still with us, and we remember those we have lost. Long-term survivors of HIV serve on our board. They help pack meals in our kitchen, and they work in our offices. They are our friends, colleagues, and family.

God’s Love has been honored to know Michael for nearly twenty years. Michael’s steadfast commitment to our clients and their families is evident through his work on our Board, his tireless fundraising efforts, and all the ways he brings the many people in his life into the God’s Love community. Michael has been living with HIV for more than 40 years. He tells us:

“I was there for the chaos of the AIDS pandemic. The incredible panic in our community. The rejection, the isolation. The fear. Ganga Stone and Jane Best, the co-founders of God’s Love, called upon New Yorkers to provide food for their fellow New Yorkers. By delivering nutrition and respect, our neighbors gave us back some modicum of dignity.”

“For more than 40 years, I have been HIV-positive. The first client of God’s Love, Richard Sale, co-hosted my 40th birthday. But he never lived to be 40. The mission of God’s Love honors Richard and all of those that we lost. Out of the devastation of the AIDS crisis came a true silver living. God’s Love We Deliver.

“In the time since my diagnosis, so much has changed. HIV-positive people are living longer and God’s Love has expanded its mission. But the fight against HIV/AIDS lives on, and the work we are doing is more important than ever for all those living with and affected by HIV.”

 

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Diagnosed more than two decades ago, James lives in the West Village and receives our meals each week. With his medically tailored meals customized by our dietitians, James is feeling healthier than ever. He tells us:

“You can’t feel healthy if you don’t have good quality food. God’s Love gives me good, nutritious food.”

James’s doctor agrees—his health has improved, and his bloodwork shows it.

James faces the challenges of living with AIDS—and aging—with a support network he never thought he would be able to have at the time of his diagnosis. He thanks God’s Love for improving his health with each meal and brightening his day with each smile he receives at the door.

Food and nutrition services from God’s Love are critical for HIV long-term survivors, acting as a gateway to care, and a crucial support throughout treatment.

The programs and services at God’s Love would not exist without the energy and leadership of our founders who came together to confront the HIV crisis. We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to those in our community who are living with HIV, and those who give their love and support to people living with HIV. We love you, we appreciate you, and we remember you.