2022-100-Faces-Book - Flipbook - Page 14
Muggs
Hand holder. Confidante. Brother.
Muggs was in his early 40s when he tested positive for
HIV. While visiting Nashville, he knew something was
off. There had been a worry in the back of his mind for
several months. A worry that it could be HIV.
It had been a year since he was last tested. Doctors
blamed his symptoms on allergies or sinus pressure.
He was told not to worry. But something wasn’t right.
He found Nashville CARES, a United Way partner
agency that supports those at risk of or living with
HIV/AIDS. From the moment Muggs walked in
the door, he could feel the warmth from staff and
volunteers. When he was told his results, that he had
HIV, he said, shockingly, a weight was lifted.
“I finally knew where all these problems were coming
from. I had answers. I could move forward.”
Staff and clients immediately came to him and shared
their experiences. About 30 percent of the CARES staff
are living with HIV, so he was instantly surrounded by a
community of people on a similar journey.
“I had so many people to help me process and
answer the many, many questions I had from medical
and insurance navigation to how am I going to
date someone while HIV positive,” he says. “This
peer experience was the most encouraging and
empowering aspect of my process as someone who
was newly diagnosed.”
Just three days later, Muggs was admitted to the
hospital for viral meningitis. He says he wouldn’t have
survived that recovery process without CARES.
He was able to connect with doctors at Vanderbilt
University and received help understanding his new
medical care. A case manager helped him to work
through medical and social services appointments and
connected him with another peer for support. He also
enrolled in the Insurance Assistance Program, which
pays for medicine, co-pays and insurance premiums.
CARES became a place to transition into life with HIV,
so he moved to Nashville permanently. He started
volunteering and after four months was offered a fulltime position in client services and as a certified HIV
and Hepatitis C tester. One day a week, he tests in a
hospital and the rest of the week refers clients
to food, transportation, emotional support or
financial assistance.
“There is science backing that it’s easier these days,
but it’s still hard,” he says. “Without that peer support,
it would have been a different story. I just can’t imagine
what it’s like to not have someone to help you through.”
Around 16,000 Tennesseans are living with diagnosed
HIV. Medicine has dramatically advanced to slow its
progression and improve life for those living with HIV.
Nashville CARES is a community, a safe space, for
those living with HIV to process their diagnosis. And
Muggs advocates for those who are scared or haven’t
yet found reconciliation in their diagnosis.
“When I think of Nashville CARES, I think of the people
living with HIV who stand up and let themselves be
seen, who are visible and speak for the positives,
who may be reluctant to be identified or speak up for
themselves. I was able to model myself after those
very brave advocates and, I think, thrive.”
He says the most difficult part of living with HIV is the
judgment that comes after he discloses his status.
“I’ve gotten to a place where I take the opportunity to
educate those who have a dated understanding of
HIV. Questions like, ‘How did you get HIV? Who gave
you HIV?’ or, ‘You don’t look like you have it.’ These are
steeped in judgment. Remember that we’re a lot more
alike than we are different. We define who we are—not
HIV, not the perception of HIV. If you are struggling,
reach out to your peers. If you are doing well and
flourishing, share that energy with someone who
needs it.”
Nashville CARES
