Meet Anthony

Anthony moved to San Francisco from Miami two years ago in poor health.  HIV and drug use were taking its toll on him.  At just 27 years old, his t-cell count was dangerously low and his body nearly shut down.  Anthony knew he needed help, and he came to San Francisco and San Francisco AIDS Foundation in hopes of turning his life around.  The moment he walked through our doors his life changed forever.

Anthony began attending a foundation life skills workshop for Latinos living with HIV.  Instantly, Anthony felt surrounded by a community of support, and for the first time he felt hope.  Our staff at the front desk got to know Anthony well, because he has a big personality that lights up any room.  They started referring him to other services within the foundation, including The Stonewall Project, which helps participants address HIV, substance use, and mental health issues.  It was there that Anthony discovered a new program for men who want to stop using crystal meth called PROP.

PROP stands for Positive Reinforcement Opportunity Project.  It’s a 12-week program that uses positive reinforcement to support gay men and other men who have sex with men who are trying to stop using crystal meth. Participants agree to visit PROP three times a week for three months. Each time they test non-reactive for crystal, they have the chance to receive a stipend.

“Before PROP I was very shy and I kept to myself,” said Anthony.  “But little by little, as I made my way through the program, I was able to show myself that I didn’t need drugs to be a strong person, to talk to people, to speak out.  It helped me build the confidence I needed.”

For Anthony, the confidence he’s gained through the program transcends to other parts of his life, including successfully managing his HIV, staying away from drug use, and making healthier decisions.  The program has allowed him to truly thrive.

“When people talk about drugs, they often say ‘shame on you,’” said Anthony.  “PROP helps you stick to the responsibility you signed up for to improve your own health.  By coming in every week, three times a week, it shows that you really want to make a change in your life.”

Anthony has been living with HIV for more than a decade.  He says he now has the time and energy to do things he’s never done before, and to be the person he’s always wanted to be.  That includes going back to school to get his GED.  He’s able to help his mother financially and serve as a father figure and positive role model for this little brother.  He takes time to enjoy his favorite hobby and his biggest passion: fashion designing.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs in my life,” said Anthony.  “But mostly now it’s just going up.”

Anthony also volunteers to help with outreach for The Stonewall Project, going to bars and clubs to hand out condoms and share messages about safer sex.  He’s so passionate about helping others that he’s now interested in being a health educator so he can teach by example, particularly among youth and within the Latino community.

Anthony has a message to anyone who might relate to his story and is looking to make a change in their life.  “The information is right there.  It’s all about coming to the foundation and saying ‘I need help.’  I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of San Francisco AIDS Foundation and their programs like The Stonewall Project.”

This is Anthony's story.  Share your story with us.  Has the foundation helped or inspired you?  Did you overcome obstacles in your life?  Do you have any messages you want to share with Anthony?