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Bob
was amazing. He is a
great speaker. He also
has a sense of humor
which made this more
informing and
entertaining than a
lecture. I expected an
old man who looks fairly
sickly, but instead
there is this young
looking,
tattooed,
pierced man that
understands what our
generation is going
through. He opened my
mind to be thankful for
what I have and that
there is not really
anything wrong with
having HIV/AIDS. Sure,
it is painful, but
before he came I had a
slight fear of
STI's and
people with them. But
Bob was so welcoming and
I saw that he really
helped other people to
open up to him and be
thankful for him coming
to talk to us. I hope to
see him again. America
needs to know the facts
of
STI's and that there
is no reason to fear
learning about them or
someone living with
them.
~ Amy F. |
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"My
personal ambition
is to inspire
and motivate
everyone to
be victorious
in life's challenges.
In this process
I educate about
the cause of
HIV/AIDS, the
consequences
of having it,
and how I have
survived for
27 years."
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Bob Bowers,
also known as "Da
Pirate," or, "One Tough Pirate," is a 27-year thriving
survivor of HIV/AIDS.
To
broaden his message of survival, prevention through education, hope and compassion, he founded
HIVictorious, Inc. in 2005. He is generously outspoken about his life struggles
and personal choices prior to the time of his infection. He shares how HIV
disease has helped him to make better choices and to appreciate the very simple
beauty of day-to-day life. "For everything negative I can say about
HIV, I can
also find something positive to say. It's all about choices and playing the hand
you are dealt." Contracting HIV over two decades ago, before
HIV testing was
available, and shortly after receiving his ‘official’ diagnosis before
anti-viral medications were available, Bob’s hope for survival turned
immediately inward to mind, body and spirit. Since that dramatic turning point
at a young age and through an 11-year marriage, he continues to fight the daily
battles of adverse drug reactions through his intense desire to live. His tough
muscular and
tattooed appearance is softened by his inner sincerity and
compassion while sharing his 27-year experience with this devastating disease.
Mr. Bowers is truly dedicated to making a lasting difference in
the fight
against HIV/AIDS, as well as other social issues. He is a powerful and
motivating speaker that reaches out to a large array of diverse audiences. He is
a tireless and passionate advocate helping to shape
HIV/AIDS policy. He is also
active in fund-raising events, camps for youth affected or infected by
HIV, guest-speaking engagements, and youth prevention education in schools, colleges,
jails, prisons and community organizations. He has been interviewed through TV, Radio,
Magazine and Newspapers, and has written articles featured in Web-MD, The Body,
and AIDS Project Los Angeles’ Positive Living. The feature length
AIDS documentary, “The Fire Within”, follows his life during 1999 as a moving story of courage,
passion for life and the healing use of choice. Some of Bob’s awards are: FWA
Winner of Best Speaking Panel-Human Sexuality, San Diego State University; AIDS
Network Client Services Volunteer Award and
AIDS Network Executive Director's
Award for Outstanding Community HIV/AIDS Service, Madison, Wisconsin.
Bob is
living proof that there is nothing impossible in this world if you apply
yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally. He is a champion for hope and
survival despite some of the difficult circumstances that we ALL face in life.
Mr. Bowers states,
“Compassion is our cure.”
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Bob was so inspiring. He
really taught me that no
matter who you are or
what is going on in your
life, you always need to
be your own person. The
way he is able to talk
openly about his
hardships and not turn
away any questions in
front of complete
strangers that couldn't
possibly understand what
he is going through, is
amazing. Bob Bowers is a
true life hero in my
eyes. He is so brave to
take on this disease and
just do what he has to
do to get through it. I
wish I had that kind of
drive and courage in my
own life.
~ Erin B
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My
husband and I watched 'The Fire Within' last night. It was so
powerful and heartfelt. You are an amazing spirit
Bob. You are a
brave 'WARRIOR' and you put up a good
fight against HIV/AIDS. I hope
you are doing well today! It's a day at a time. I thank you for the
work you are doing and the hope you instill.
Peace, Good Health and Many, Many Blessings friend,
~Nancy~ |
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Click
thumbnails
to view
Bob's entire
presentation
on HIV/AIDS
at Madison
College |
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Bob and students from Memorial
High School after discussing HIV/AIDS and STIs
Youth HIV/AIDS prevention through education in schools is one of HIVictorious'
top priorities. Youth should appreciate the
relationship between existing STIs/STDs and the increased risk for HIV infection |
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****************************
HIVictorious,
Inc. strives to comply with
all applicable federal and state
laws, which protect persons
on the basis of race disability,
color, creed religion, gender,
gender expression, age, sexual
orientation, national origin,
ancestry, citizenship, military
status, or any other protected
classification. It does not
knowingly violate such laws
in its employment and
volunteer
practices. These same standards
also apply to all actions undertaken
by HIVictorious, Inc., its Board
of Directors, and its affiliates
to fulfill its mission of prevention
education and outreach.
HIVictorious, Inc. is a nonprofit
public benefit organization 501(c)(3) - Madison, Wisconsin
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Youth HIV/AIDS educator Bob Bowers with students of
East
High School in Madison, WI after speaking
about
prevention
and education. Thank you, Purgolders! |
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"If we
are ever to see an END
to this dreadful
pandemic called
AIDS, a
shift in social
conscientiousness, more
heart, enduring
collaborations, and the
political will are
absolutely vital. With
just over 33 million of our
Brothers and Sisters
living with HIV, and
another 25 million who
have perished,
regardless of an end to
AIDS, we must continue
to address some of the
core and long-standing
issues. Issues such as
poverty, racism,
homophobia, women's rights
and mental health.
Whether we realize it or
not, AIDS affects all of
us. Thank you for doing
your part in the fight
against HIV/AIDS!
Together we can and are
making a lasting difference in
the lives of many."
~ Bob Bowers
-Founder and President -
HIVictorious, Inc. |
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All proceeds go
directly to support HIVictorious' education and outreach |
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Bob
Bowers' story was very inspiring to me.
Listening to him made me think more about
taking life day by day and to not take things
for granted. It was really great of him
to come in and talk to us about his situation.
I admire him tons for his courage and strength.
His story inspired me to think differently
about many things like racism, love, acceptance
and life itself. Not only was Mr. Bowers'
presentation inspiring, it was also extremely
informative. All the information I learned
really made me think about what I personally
can do to help the spread and
affects of
HIV, as well as other STIs.
~ Frances
S.
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Mr.
Bowers, I am writing
to express how deeply you touched me during your
presentation. You speech was the most passionate,
interesting and encouraging I have ever heard. You taught us
the importance of hope when you are diagnosed with a deadly
virus like HIV. I can't tell you how much I respect and
admire what you do to educate teens and adults about HIV and
how it can ruin your life forever if you let it. Above all
else, I respect what you go through each day to survive the
the HIV virus and AIDS. Thanks again for your passion about
what you do and for your caring about my generation. I will
keep you, Michael, Richard, Eddie and Hilary in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Jim S. |
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Dear
Mr. Bowers, Thank you
so much for coming in and sharing your story. I was very
moved by your speaking. Your story astounds me. I am very
inspired at how strong you are and how you are living your
life as best as you can! I really appreciate you taking time
to come and talk to us and teach us how
HIV/AIDS really
affects people's lives. I find it amazing and incredible
that you have dedicated your life to sharing your story and
educating people about
HIV/AIDS. You are a remarkable person
and I think you have the biggest heart. I hope you feel the
best you can and live each day to it's fullest . You have
touched me and I will start loving each day even more. I
really want you to know that you have so many people that
care for you and whenever you are feeling down just remember
that. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to
our school and speaking.
Sincerely,
Michaela H. |
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Youth HIV/AIDS educator Bob Bowers with students from La
Follette
High School in Madison, Wisconsin |
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Strength
does not come from physical capacity. It
comes from an indomitable will.
~Mahatma Gandhi
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Copyright © HIVictorious, Inc. Madison, Wisconsin All rights reserved 2000-2011
HIVictorious® & compassion is our cure® are registered trademarks of HIVictorious, Inc., a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable
organization
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