Steve Coriell
|
Born: Peoria,
Illinois
Current Residence: Chelsea
Client: 8-9 months
" It's a community thing, spending time with people who are
in the same situation." |
What was your situation like when you came to GMHC?
I didn't realize that I was HIV-positive until I became very ill
with a severe opportunistic infection and was diagnosed with full-blown
AIDS. When I was diagnosed, my T-cells were at zero, and I had no
functioning immune system at all. I spent six months recovering
in central Illinois with my family. When I came to GMHC, I had just
returned to New York, and I didn't have any of the medical benefits
arranged. GMHC helped me get used to being in New York, being HIV-positive,
and on disability.
What programs and services have you used since becoming
a client?
I eat lunch here almost every meal. I use the Theater
Desk, and I've used
Legal Services for a couple of different things. Client
Advocacy has helped me out with the process of applying for
New York State Medicaid
and the other benefits
that are available. And I attend a support group here once a week.
How have GMHC's services helped you?
The assistance I received applying for medical benefits was very
helpful. I really needed somebody to help walk me through the process,
because it was a long, involved, and convoluted one and it took
almost five months to get everything situated. A caseworker from
Client Advocacy was able to answer all my questions.
Part of the reason why I come here for the Meals
Program is that I like to hang out with everybody here. I will
talk to people in line, or somebody will be having a discussion
that you can join. And I've met a couple of people there that I
hang out with beyond the lunchroom. It's a community thing, spending
time with people who are in the same situation.
The support group that I'm in has also helped me. None of my close
friends were HIV-positive, and I didn't really have anyone to talk
to about it. That's why, when I joined GMHC, I applied right away
for a support group. You get to know someone better in group than
you can in a more social environment like the lunchroom. You really
hear more about what each person is like and how they are dealing
with their illness, and you can see how they've gotten past their
problems.
What do you do with your spare time?
I love New York — I have an architecture degree, and I never
get tired of walking around New York and looking at the buildings.
I read, watch movies on TV, and spend a lot of time socializing
with friends.
What else would you like to share with readers?
I don't feel my life is over by any means. Even when you're diagnosed
as HIV-positive or with full-blown AIDS like I had at diagnosis,
there's still this whole other life to go. So don't give up hope
and get help where you can.
June 11, 2003
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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