In having the two come share their stories with our class, obviously a lot of questions were answered, but I do think the reality of this epidemic was effectively communicated to us. I am no expert in this field, but I do think that maybe I knew a little more than some of my peers because I have just done a paper and presentation relating to this topic. Although my knowledge may have been a little better than some, I too was amazed at the difficulty these two have to go through everyday. I came across a picture on the Internet that showed the cocktail of drugs a person has to take, placed in their hand while doing research, but by seeing Rick's drugs displayed in front of me really enforced that reality. I cannot even imagine how hard it must be to take so many drugs and have to give yourself a shot, twice a day. And after taking all those drugs they still need to eat and stay active to keep themselves healthy, it just shows how incredibly hard it must be for them.

I must admit that I think Rick's way of committing suicide is the most bazaar and off the wall ways I have ever heard. I am happy that he has found some light in his life and can now go in front of people and show people like me and others like me that AIDS is a horrible disease, but I am sorry he has to go through such hardship and pain. After hearing Kathy's story though, I have decided that I am going to go get tested because I know many people often don't know they are infected. I know now, more than ever, that one can never be too careful. I wanted to ask Kathleen, "If she had not gotten pregnant, would she have found out she had HIV, and does she think she would have kept on living without knowing?