The day HIV beat cancer

Let me introduce you to Robert, a vibrant and creative 33-year-old man with HIV. Following his annual check-up at Thrive Alabama, our nurse practitioner discovered abnormal cells that concerned her enough to look deeper into his case. Subsequent tests showed he had cancer. Within two weeks a surgeon removed 50% of the cancer and then referred him to Clearview Cancer Center for daily chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

A Thrive social worker and our Affordable Care Act specialist helped Robert navigate the process of getting disability and maintaining insurance coverage during his treatment and recovery. We also made sure his prescriptions were delivered to his home.

Our medical team worked with Clearview to ensure his white blood cell count wasn’t adversely affected and that his HIV remained undetectable throughout the six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. Plus, our dietitian developed a successful plan to help Robert maintain weight during his cancer treatment.

A patient at Thrive for years, Robert said, “It’s like family. These guys make sure I’m always taken care. It’s so personal here. The clinic has your back for everything.”

Robert never expected his HIV care would lead to an early cancer diagnosis. The cancer is in remission and he has done better than anyone expected. Thrive does have his back.

You Can Save Lives

Testing people for HIV and sexually transmitted infections then quickly linking them to care is integral in securing a healthy patient outcome and in slowing the spread of HIV/STIs in our community.

Your support through personal donations and at fundraising events like Dining with Friends and Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre will help Thrive Alabama bring free testing and link people to important healthcare throughout North Alabama in our Mobile HIV/STI Testing Unit, a 33-foot clinic on wheels.

Let’s Get the Wheels Rollin’. Donate today.