“I have my ARV’s. Big thanks to your help. I really appreciate it.”
That was the text that I received from Pablo this afternoon as I was having my late afternoon snack.
“Suddenly, I am smiling while driving. I feel that I have a weapon to fight this,” he added.
This made my day.
Pablo is one of the guys who recently took the HIV screening. He said that he and a close friend of mine, Raul, talked about him getting screened for HIV. He told me that he somehow sensed that he may be infected and without hesitation agreed to the screening. Raul, soon called me and asked for an HIV test kit for him to screen Pablo. Knowing that Raul has been trained for the screening, I provided him with what he needed.
Two days later, Raul called me and told me that Pablo turned out to be reactive for HIV. He asked me where he should refer him and I gave him all the options. I told Raul any friend of his will also be my friend, thus,I will personally assist Pablo to the HIV and AIDS Treatment Hub of his choice. I told Raul that Pablo needed to take the HIV test as the confirmatory result is needed for enrollment in the hub. Raul, knowing the lab tests needed, told me that he will ask Pablo to do all the lab tests, including the CD4 test so that when he goes to the hub, he is ready for the prescription of all his meds.
I got a buzz, a day later and Pablo was on the other line. I sensed that he was eager to talk to me. I bet he was really eager to get treatment as I told him that I will meet him as soon as he was done with all the baseline laboratory tests that he needed. He said that he would be busy for the week but he might be able to squeeze in some time for his labs to be done during the weekend. It was a polite conversation. I felt optimism coming from him, from the way he talked to me that afternoon. We said our goodbyes and told him that I will personally assist him and he can call me anytime if he needs someone to talk to.
It was sooner that I thought. Pablo called me two days later and told me that he was ready to go to the HIV and AIDS Treatment hub and all his labs were done. He chose to be enrolled in a private hub as he was concerned about confidentiality. I told him that Project Red Ribbon has a private partner hub and that he doesn’t need to worry about confidentiality. To make sure that he would feel comfortable, I told him that I would meet him there and introduce him to the staff.
I met Pablo at 10am at the lobby of the hospital. He donned a neatly tucked polo shirt and nicely pressed slacks. I just looked around and he was smiling at me. Maybe he already saw my photo on facebook, thanks to Raul. I approached him and we shook hands. He said that he was glad that he was there finally so that he can start dealing with the disease. I told him that with his predisposition, that he will do great. He said that Raul already started to counsel him, like what most friends will do, saying that he will be fine, that he can live a long, productive life. I smiled at him and said that being with me that afternoon, that being there in the hospital is an affirmation of a half won battle, already.
While waiting for the elevator, I told him about the HIV and AIDS Treatment hub. I told him that we are their partner and assured him that everything is confidential. I felt his trust with the words that blurted from my mouth. I felt that his throbbing heart and confused mind were pacified with every single word that I said about the entire process of treatment, about the antiretroviral meds, about the doctor he would see, about the laboratory tests that he needed to undergo every year. I smiled as we entered the elevator knowing that have I have him. I have him and I am the lucky guy to be guiding him as he opens the door, his new pathway to his health and to life.
The hub had no signs. No banners whatsoever. It was just a door with a room number. There was a piece of paper with just a schedule. That was it. I looked at Pablo and pointed that out.
“This is why I brought you here. This hub is excellent with privacy,” I told him.
I knocked and as soon as we entered, we were greeted with the sincerest smiles. I introduced Pablo to the staff and Jonel, the nurse, guided Pablo to the cubicle for interview.
I can hear mumbling sounds from outside but when the divider opened, I stood up and asked if I can come in. Sitting in front of Raul, I comforted him and assured him that we are in one of the best hubs in the country. I told him about their practice of making their clients feel comfortable, of how he won’t have to worry about confidentiality. I told him all the wisdom that I could muster. My every strand of fiber vibrated with assurance. He relaxed and became at ease. My heart jumped for joy.
A few calls later, Jonel scheduled him for appointment with their doctor. He was scheduled at 1pm so Pablo asked me to join him for lunch. I wanted to say no, but I needed to make him feel that I am a friend, and I guess it was a polite way to do. Also, it made him feel that I was there for him and that it was the least that he can do for me. Though I said he didn’t have to as it my job to help however, he said I spent time to help him out, knowing my busy schedule being the president of a Foundation.
We became comfortable with another during lunch. He said that his worries started to dwindle. Of course, I said, that it won’t disappear that fast, though his optimism can overcome all of those. He chuckled that he already by-passed the stages of grief and went straight to acceptance. That put another smile in my heart.
We left the nook and went straight to the doctor’s clinic. He was relaxed. He was at ease. I didn't feel any tension. He exuded with renewed confidence that only I can fathom from what I sensed from him. The secretary smiled at us and as Pablo registered, I told him that I needed to leave for a meeting. He hugged me as we said our farewells, and he promised to update me after his consultation with the doctor.
I drove home. Quietly. I texted Raul and told him that Pablo will be having his consultation and that he is doing great.
At 2:27pm, I received his text.
“I have my ARV’s. Big thanks to your help. I really appreciate it.”
That was the text that I received from Pablo this afternoon as I was having my afternoon snack.
“Suddenly, I am smiling while driving. I feel that I have a weapon to fight this,” he added.
This made my day.
A tear left my eye.
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