Surviving AIDS, but not the life that followed

[NiceHard1]

If you have not seen the documentary "How to Survive a plague" you really want to see it. In the documentary, you can see the work that a small group of guys did in the 1980s to gain access to the life saving HIV meds that have been keeping many of us alive.

You will also see some great history of Spencer Cox, a young guy responsible for much of these advances.

What you won't see in the film though is what happened two months ago: Spencer Cox, a person most responsible for getting these life saving meds for us, died of AIDS - by choosing not to continue taking the very meds that he fought so hard to obtain.

Why he died is a mystery. Some are speculating drugs. Others wonder if it is a version of fatigue from living with HIV for so many years, or loss of purpose after having accomplished the goal of winning HIV meds. The NYT article below goes into sme of the detail, but does not have any answers.

Whatever the reason, it's an unfortunate loss. Many of us should pause to reflect our gratitude to our young brother Spencer for all he has done for us. You will be missed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/fashion/what-really-killed-spencer-cox-aids-activist.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0