Dab Garner has come a long way since first learning of his HIV status. Sometimes, his journey still seems a bit unreal.

“I never dreamed I would be on the cover of magazines, interviewed on radio and television programs, testify to Congress, meet with elected officials, and speak to huge groups of people,” marveled Garner in an interview with The AIDS Beacon.

He probably never imagined his name would become such a symbol of hope, either. As a leading HIV and AIDS activist, Garner travels the country speaking to the public, advocating for people living with HIV, and participating in AIDS-related walks, health fairs, and conferences.

He does all this on behalf of his organization, the Dab the AIDS Bear Project.

Founded in 2003, the project helps Garner spread awareness about Americans on waiting lists for AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs). These programs help qualifying, uninsured individuals obtain free HIV and AIDS medications.

Current government funding for these programs is not sufficient to meet the needs of everyone who applies; over 1,000 people have been placed on waiting lists for ADAPs (see related Beacon news).

Garner’s foundation raises awareness of the issue in an attempt to spur additional funding for ADAPs.

“Now that we have life-saving, anti-HIV medications, it is a disgrace to allow the needless deaths of American men and women,” said Garner.

Garner also expressed his anger and frustration in regard to Florida starting an ADAP waiting list beginning June 1.

“Too many of my friends and loved ones lost their battle before we had medication. I would be dishonoring their deaths and memories if I didn’t speak out.”

When HIV first started appearing in 1981, Garner sent teddy bears to friends who were dying in quarantine from the disease and unable to receive visitors.

In 1998, when funding for the Ryan White Act was being cut, Garner began mass-producing the bears and sold them in retail stores throughout the country. When he and his friends began an organization to advocate on behalf of those with HIV, they decided to use Dab the AIDS Bear as their mascot.

“It just seemed natural to name the organization, started to fight needless deaths of Americans from HIV, after the teddy bears I had given to friends and loved ones to give them hope and strength over the years.”

Through the organization, Garner speaks across the country about HIV, AIDS, and ADAP waiting lists. He also writes blogs for various websites.

Through all of his work in spreading awareness, Garner’s journey with HIV and AIDS has been a remarkable one. His involvement in a broad range of endeavors has impacted the lives of countless patients and their families.

For Garner, however, life did not always run so smoothly.

On Valentine’s Day of 1982, when very little was known about HIV or AIDS, Garner was diagnosed with HIV. He was only 19 years old.

“At the time, it wasn’t even called HIV yet. In 1981, they were calling it ‘gay cancer’…and when I found out in early 1982, it was called GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency).”

“All I knew about it was that I had watched two friends and my partner die horrible, painful, and lonely deaths while in quarantine, which broke my heart.”

Garner was hospitalized and told that he would probably not live to celebrate his 20th birthday, only six weeks away. When Garner returned home after his hospital stay, he thought he was “living a death sentence.”

“It was like always waiting for the other shoe to drop. At that time, we did not know a rare few could live many years with HIV, since most died shortly after being diagnosed,” said Garner.

Fortunately, Garner’s family members were all very supportive, although he did lose some friends who could not accept the fact that he had the “new” disease.

“It showed me who my true friends were. I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for someone I am not.”

It has now been 28 years since Garner was first diagnosed. He has had seven different infectious disease doctors, a general practice physician, and – due to related conditions over the years – various specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists.

His advice? “The trait I look for in a doctor is someone who is willing to work with me on my treatment and really listen to what I have to say,” said Garner.

He also has kept up with the latest information on HIV and AIDS by participating in clinical trials, many of which have led to the current HIV/AIDS therapies available to patients. He keeps in contact with infectious disease doctors in several cities and has served on the board of HIV and AIDS organizations.

He also emphasizes maintaining good health by taking medications, keeping a healthy diet and exercise level, and using protection when engaging in sexual activities to avoid getting STDs or additional strains of HIV.

“HIV is not a death sentence. With today’s anti-HIV medications, you can live a normal life expectancy as long as you take your medications as needed and follow sound health practices,” said Garner.

Over the years he has managed to stay pretty healthy, which is a good thing – he has a lot of work to do.

Garner’s volunteer work started out local, helping various AIDS Service Organizations. Eventually he found himself leading committees, then initiating support groups in cities where he lived. Today, Garner advocates nationwide for people living with HIV.

His biggest accomplishment? Working with Senator Kennedy to pass the Ryan White Act in the 1980s, he said.

“Because of Ryan White Funding, 600,000 Americans with HIV have a chance of living with the virus.”

This year, he testified in front of Congress to support extending Ryan White Funding for four more years.

The Dab the AIDS Bear Project also has a program known as the Ambassadors of Hope Project. Currently, the program enlists 143 Ambassadors of Hope who travel the world, speaking about ADAP waiting lists and spreading awareness through Dab the AIDS Bears.

Finally, the Dab the AIDS Bear Project hosts holiday events for children across the country.

“In our country, children with HIV and AIDS have so much to deal with daily. It’s hard enough just being a kid,” said Garner.

To ease some of these challenges and make the holidays enjoyable, the organization’s holiday events, known as Teddy Bear Touchdowns, provide gifts for children whose families are dealing with the financial hardship of expensive medical care.

For Garner, the Teddy Bear Touchdowns program is one of his biggest activism-related accomplishments.

“Seeing their smiles and laughter as they open their presents is the best Christmas present I could ever receive…Some of them have brought me to tears, telling me it is the only present they get during the holidays.”

“It reminds me of how my little god-daughter used to love the holidays and the promise I made to her to bring happiness and joy to other children like her,” said Garner of his god-daughter who passed away from complications due to AIDS in 1989 at age five.

Garner advises people who are newly diagnosed with HIV to take advantage of opportunities and live life to the fullest.

“Life is not a dress rehearsal, so get out there and make the most of every day. None of us, regardless of HIV status, are guaranteed tomorrow.”

For more information on Dab Garner and his efforts, please see the Dab the AIDS Bear Project website.