TIHAN fundraiser helps those living with HIV/AIDS in Tucson

Tucsonans in search of a fundraiser that celebrates the diversity of life —while also helping those in the community who live with HIV and AIDS — need look no further.

Volunteers and supporters of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network will present In Living Color! — the 21st Annual Treasures for TIHAN on June 2.

“The ‘In Living Color’ theme focuses on the diversity of life, love and experiences of people living with HIV, and for us it is about celebrating each life that is so different and vibrant and bold,” said Scott Blades, TIHAN executive director.

“Each of our lives has its own color, value and strength; when we put them together, it makes a beautiful tapestry of interconnectedness.”

Volunteer Patricia Ruiz, who became involved with TIHAN and the signature fundraiser five years ago, said that tapestry has enriched her life.

“I have met so many interesting people. It is just amazing that there is such diversity of people involved with TIHAN. They come from all walks of life and have so many stories to tell and so much to offer.

“It is just like one big family with lots of love,” said Ruiz, who wanted to carry on the legacy of her brother, Stephen Trujillo.

Trujillo served as a member of the TIHAN board of directors and president of the board twice before he passed away in 2013.

“My brother was involved with many organizations and when he became ill, we met so many people who were so amazing and so giving to our family, and I felt that I needed to give back,” Ruiz said.

Carol Schneiderman has answered the same calling: She recently began volunteering at TIHAN after retiring from a 20-year career as a clinical pharmacist.

“When I retired, I wanted to maintain ties with the community as well as give back, and TIHAN is a wonderful organization that allows me to do both. I see people who have such big hearts and such commitment to the organization: It really is a warm, loving family environment and I am really happy to be here,” said Schneiderman, a member of the TIHAN board of directors. She is also training to help direct those living with HIV and AIDS to services and resources in the community.

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Randy Decker is among more than 325 people, called CarePartners, receiving services from TIHAN each year.

Decker, 55, found out he was infected with HIV at age 23; he moved to Tucson 13 years ago to be closer to family and learned about TIHAN through his church, the Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ. It is one of 50 different local faith communities that work together to provide education for clergy and laity along with outreach and support services for those living HIV/AIDS. The network also includes secular, corporate and nonprofit organizations working together to create an inclusive support effort.

“I kept hearing people at church talk about this wonderful Poz Cafe that TIHAN has once a month and so I started going. It really helps with isolation, which is one of the biggest issues that lots of people with HIV deal with,” Decker said.

“It gives you an instant connection to friends in the community and we get lots of hugs and positive reinforcement about our lives.”

The Poz Cafe not only provides monthly lunch and social programs for CarePartners, but also offers “CarePackages” comprised of toiletries, cleaning and household supplies, clothing and other basic necessities that can serve as lifelines for CarePartners, many of whom live below the federal poverty level.

Decker has utilized other TIHAN services as well: In 2016, he was a member of the first graduating class for Living Well With HIV, a series of classes that emphasizes long-term empowerment and helps to educate people on topics ranging from healthy nutrition to re-entering the workforce and taking control of their lives in order to optimize productivity and well-being.

“The Living Well classes have been very helpful for me. Eating Well teaches you how to eat healthy on a fixed budget and a class called Planning Well teaches good budgeting and financial planning,” Decker said.

“A counselor took me under her wing and I was able to pay off my credit cards, and she encouraged me to buy a house, which was not something I ever envisioned doing. I successfully purchased a home with a mortgage of less than $600 a month, which solidified my financial situation. That is really nice, since so many CarePartners live paycheck to paycheck,” Decker said.

While receiving services, Decker also became a TIHAN volunteer, where he helps others receiving services, acts as a speaker for TIHAN and helps with the Treasures event — all experiences that he highly recommends for everyone.

“I find it so energizing and important for my soul, so to speak,” Decker said.

Schneiderman emphasized that TIHAN offers an abundance of volunteer opportunities, ranging from administrative and marketing duties and working one-on-one with clients to assisting with education and outreach, which has become a priority for the organization.