""If
we are ever to see an END to this dreadful pandemic called AIDS, a shift in
social conscientiousness, more heart, enduring collaborations, and the political
will are absolutely vital. With over 40 million of our Brothers and Sisters
living with HIV, and another 25 million who have perished, regardless of an end
to AIDS, we must continue to address some of the core and long-standing issues.
Issues such as poverty, racism, homophobia, addiction and mental health. Whether
we realize it or not, AIDS affects all of us. Thank you for doing your part in
the fight against HIV/AIDS! Together we can and are making a difference in the
lives of many."
~ Bob Bowers-Founder
and President -
HIVictorious, Inc.
Madison,
Wisconsin Mayor Dave Cieslewicz honors 1st place entrant Elizabeth
Grams at his office. Elizabeth took top honors for round four of our
poster contest. She created a truly powerful
HIV/AIDS awareness
poster. Congratulations, Elizabeth! We extend our sincere and
heartfelt thanks to Mayor Dave for his commitment to our youth and
the fight against AIDS!
Above photos from
the awards ceremony for our HIV/AIDS awareness poster contest at
Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin. Thank you to the
Edgewood students and staff for doing an amazing job with your
posters and for your incredibly generous donation to HIVictorious!
It was such an honor and pleasure to have you participate!
On January 9, 2008
our HIV/AIDS poster contest winners, Collin Burke and Kevin Julka, presented
United States Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin with a framed copy of their winning
entry from
"What if it Were You?" Thank you to Ms. Baldwin, Steve, Teri, Sandi
and the amazing parents for your support!
Mayor Dave invited the 2nd round winners and
their families to his office on December 17, 2007.
Collin and Kevin presented their framed winning
HIV/AIDS posters to the Mayor.
Some photos courtesy of: Melissa Winker HIVictorious
congratulates our
AIDS poster contest 1st place entrant Collin Burke and 2nd place winner Kevin Julka!
Above photos from the awards ceremony at James Madison Memorial High School!
Thank you to ALL the wonderful teachers, staff and awesome students for your
participation in our heartfelt and passionate undertaking! Your compassion and
commitment are deeply appreciated. You are all
winners in our eyes!
"What if it Were You?"
second round participants: La Follette, James Madison Memorial and Wisconsin
Heights high schools, as well as
Operation Fresh Start. Thank you to
ALL for doing an incredible service to self, community and
the fight against HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin and the United States
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz invites "What
if it Were You?" winners to meet with
him at his office where he proudly displays the framed
winning AIDS posters. Thank you
Mayor Dave!
In 2009, 122 new cases of HIV infection have
been reported in Wisconsin since January
10,445 cases of HIV infection have been reported
in Wisconsin since 1983
Approximately 6,700 people are presumed living
with HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin today
22% of new HIV
cases were among young people ages 15-24
20% of new HIV
cases were among women
Race/ethnic
minorities comprise only 12% of the Wisconsin
population, but 54% of all HIV cases reported in
2008 were members of racial/ethnic minorities
In 2008, 68%
of all new HIV cases were among gay men
Experts estimate that 1 in 4 individuals living
with HIV are unaware of their status
HIV is a disease that affects people regardless
of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status and
sexual orientation
HIV infections have been reported in all 72
counties in Wisconsin, with concentration in
Milwaukee County
Nearly 40% of
HIV patients have no health care coverage
Over 50% of
HIV patients cannot afford their HIV medications
"What if it Were You?"launched it's inaugural round of "What if it Were you?" on February 9, 2007
at Malcolm Shabazz City High School in Madison. The success was due to many, the
HIVictorious Board of Directors, volunteers, our generous sponsors,
the students and staff of Malcolm Shabazz City High and our friends at NBC 15 and 92.1 The Mic.
