A couple of months ago, I enjoyed South Park’s satire regarding HIV/AIDS as a faded trend. I was laughing, but only because deep down in my mind I knew it was true. Kyle and Cartman were posing as HIV+ patients to get accommodations on a plane trip, but only special reservations were made for cancer patients. I personally do not take either illness lightly, but the topic expressed on the show so bluntly mirrors real life.

I have observed that there is more talk and public support for cancer-related events versus HIV/AIDS events, even though a person has a higher chance of getting infected w/ HIV/AIDS than being diagnosed w/ cancer. Even government funding has decreased for HIV/AIDS treatment services and research because they believe young people are not “at risk”, while the media, celebrities, and government have been big forces to create public support for cancer research and treatment. Cancer is the “it” disease of this generation, while HIV/AIDS was the disease of the 80s-90s.

However, I do see why people are so fearful of cancer, because cancer can easily become terminal while still on treatment and under close watch by professionals. HIV+ patients, on the other hand, are living longer and have a better chance of being AIDS-free if given the right treatment.

I believe that any type of illness should not be thought of as a trend. There are victims from these terrible illnesses and it affects their loved ones and friends. Cancer and HIV/AIDS hurt the diagnosed and the people around them. We are dealing w/ lives of human beings, which should be given equal focus and care.

So next time you hear of a local HIV/AIDS event, pay a visit, lend your suppot, have fun, and learn just like you would at a cancer event.

Peace & love, Burnette