| Letter of Thanks
September 12, 2008
GMHC
Attn: Ms. Susan Rowley
The Tisch Building
119 West 24th Street
New York, NY 10011
Dear Ms. Rowley,
Although this note of "thanks" is belated, it is sent with as much heartfelt appreciation now as ever.
Last July 9th (2007), I had the misfortune to accidently prick myself with a blood-tainted needle belonging to my brother (who has HIV). I was terrified, sad, angry, fearful and overwhelmed all at the same time. However, I decided not to contact my brother — fearing he would get even more distressed learning about this accident, nor did I choose to contact anyone else in my household at the time. To that end, I did however immediately think to contact the GMHC Hotline (at approximately 12:00 pm). To this day — and ever after, I will never forget the kindness, calmness and reassurance that was offered to me "freely and unconditionally" over that phone that afternoon, by an anonymous GMHC volunteer. I can still "hear" his voice in my mind and I only wish I could have the opportunity to thank him in person, though I understand and respect the need for anonymity.
My Hotline Volunteer offered me much insight to the various scenarios of contracting the disease by a needle stick, and though he relayed that transmission was more likely not to occur, he nonetheless strongly suggested a PEP protocol. In so doing, he also clearly explained what exactly PEP was as well as the side effects that I could possibly experience. Being someone who prefers to arm herself with more knowledge than less, his insight was extremely helpful to my understanding as well as helpful to keeping me calm (though I truly was hysterical).
I made phone calls to my doctor and choose to go to St. Vincent's ER the next morning. They too were wonderful and at the suggestion of the ER HIV specialists, I did contact my brother and share this information with him, and in so doing, learn which meds he was currently taking. I was directed to Dr. Anthony Urbina (HIV specialist affiliated with St. Vincents). Under his wonderful care as well, I took the necessary course of medications for 30 days with follow-up thereafter. Fortunately for me, my results came back negative and no sign of the virus.
The point of this note however, is not to talk about me as much as to THANK YOU and THANK GMHC and most especially THANK the GMHC HOTLINE VOLUNTEER (and all the hotline volunteers) for truly helping to give me the greatest gift I could have received...the gift of HOPE! I will never forget this act of kindness and compassion and I thank God every single day for allowing me to access to such a vital and extraordinary organization as GMHC is. I have always been a fan and supporter, and will certainly continue to be one – and with even greater vigilance now. Please feel free to share my thoughts with your volunteers, as I am sure I am but one of many recipients who have been the beneficiary of their support. A mere verbal "thanks" pales in comparison to what I truly feel in my heart.
Warmest regards and thanks to all of you who truly make a difference each and every day….
Bridget
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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