Charlie: A Life Saved

Charlie already has a story at 20 years old. Charlie is a life you helped saved.

Two years ago, 18 year old Charlie told his family he had HIV. Charlie and his parents thought that his diagnosis meant there was nothing to be done. They thought it was the end, and their hearts broke for their son.

Charlie’s sister, Lisa, was unwilling to accept that there was nothing to be done. Lisa lived in California, and after a month of researching HIV doctors in Texas, she reached Dr. Roger Bedimo. AIDS Arms is part of the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) and Dr. Bedimo, an infectious disease specialist, is the clinical research site leader. He told Lisa of the cutting edge work of AIDS Arms and connected her to the staff at AIDS Arms.

Lisa set up the appointment. Charlie and his father came together, worried and skeptical, but as they listened to the AIDS Arms medical staff explain that HIV is not a death sentence, their worry and skepticism receded. They learned that by staying consistent with his medication, Charlie could live a long, fulfilling life. Charlie and father left the clinic empowered with information and access to ensure a healthy life for Charlie.

Today, Charlie is one of the participants receiving lifesaving medication through clinical research trials. The clinic, you and your community partners built, houses the research trials saving his and many others lives.

Please feel proud of the amazing work and contributions you are bringing to your community:

• AIDS Arms is the only community health clinic in the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG). The ACTG is made up of premiere infectious disease academic research centers including Harvard, John Hopkins, and Northwestern,

• 54 community members have been cured of Hepatitis C.

• Research at AAI has worked on 22 new FDA approved medications. (17 HIV and 5 Hepatitis C medications)

• Currently: 24 studies are being performed at AIDS Arms. (Since 2007, AAI completed 63 studies)

• The cutting edge FibroScan is at the Trinity Health and Wellness facility to check client’s liver health non-invasively. (This equipment is rare in the research field).

The medical team behind the clinical research trials at AIDS Arms. They get to do their passion because of your incredible support.