AIDS awareness-Madison, Wisconsin & United States-activism, youth hiv/aids education, prevention, advocacy
AIDS awareness honoring and remembering lives lost to HIV/AIDS

AIDS awareness in Madison, Wisconsin and the United States-HIV positive speakers, AIDS activists, youth HIV/AIDS education by long-term AIDS survivor Bob Bowers Da Pirate-Madison, Wisconsin-United States

HIV/AIDS awareness-Madison, Wisconsin-United States-Memory Wall for lives lost to HIV/AIDS-Never forget their names!

 
Throughout my 26 years of living with HIV/AIDS, from California to Wisconsin and beyond, I've lost dozen of dear friends and colleagues to HIV/AIDS. I started this AIDS awareness Memory Wall to forever honor their courage. Considering this site is nearly nine years old, I've since added names on behalf of others who have unfortunately lost loved ones to AIDS as well. I am beyond honored and blessed to continue the FIGHT, carrying their memories and life-lessons close to my heart! 28 years of AIDS is ENOUGH!

 

 
 

   
 
 
 
 

 
I will forever miss my mako shark fishing trips with my good friend, Steve Feder. (foreground)
 FISH ON!
R.I.P. Steve!
 
 

HIV/AIDS awareness-Over 56,000 new HIV infections each year in the United States-Apathy is a death sentence

 

AIDS awareness ribbon lights

There are insufficient words to describe the incredible loss of my dear friend, Howard Jacobs. Howard will be forever in my heart. I am eternally blessed to have know him for 20 years. As a 20 year survivor of AIDS and a tireless advocate in the fight against AIDS, his courage and life-lessons inspired me immensely.

R.I.P. Buddy!

 

Howard Jacobs - AIDS advocate/activist and long-term survivor of HIV/AIDS

 
 

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AIDS awareness in Madison, Wisconsin and United States-Never forget their names-In honor of ALL who died of HIV/AIDS-

 
That's so beautiful what you did, it brought tears to see his name remembered! Thank you from my heart and soul!!! Love you Bro! Love to your family and friends too-especially your gal!!! Take care and keep the fight moving as you do! A lot of people need you, including ME!!!!
~Mik
 
aids awareness memory wall for friends who died from HIV/AIDS
 
 
 
 
Hi Bob,

Wow...your generous websites gives people a pretty good idea of who you are. Thank you for sharing that with people. (my bro died of AIDS after refusing to go to doctors and then it was too late).

I am sorry for your struggle. I am happy for your brains. I am awed at your "person". I am glad you have spirituality and a sense of yourself. I hope you have all the love around you that you put out in the world. I wanted you to know that right at this moment there is someone thinking about everything you said. Good rides and good luck and good feelings to you in your life.

Elizabeth  

 
The World Health Organization reports that the AIDS virus is the leading cause of death and disease among women between the ages of 15 and 44

END THE SCOURGE OF AIDS!

 
 

What if it Were You?-Youth HIV/AIDS awareness poster contest-A project of HIVictorious, Inc. Madison, Wisconsin-United States

 
   

HIVictorious meets with Governor Jim Doyle for "What if it Were You?" Rewais Hanna from Edgewood High School presented
Governor Doyle with his winning HIV/AIDS awareness poster.
Thank you to Governor Doyle and congratulations to Rewais for
designing an amazing poster with a powerful message!

 

Compassion is our cure! AIDS awareness by Bob Bowers-Youth HIV/AIDS education in schools-HIVictorious-Madison, Wisconsin-United States

 
I totally agree with you Bob!! Compassion seems to be difficult to come by in some areas of the world. I know I grew up in a very homophobic part of the country but that made me more determined to try to do all I could to help with not only HIV/AIDS but any other injustice I might see. It is not right and I try to do my part!!! You do awesome work Bob and I admire you so much.

~ Gary C.
 
 

Red ribbon tattoos -Marking my 25th year of living with HIV/AIDS and to honor friends and all who have died of AIDS-Never forget their names!
The red ribbon tattoo and "Never forget" to honor my 25th year of living with HIV/AIDS and to honor all who have died from AIDS

AIDS awareness in Madison, Wisconsin and United States-Never forget their names-In honor of ALL who died of HIV/AIDS-

    Mr Bowers. I have recently viewed your documentary film, "The Fire Within". I was moved beyond words. I met you about 5 years ago at San Diego State University and was challenged and humbled by your life. I live my life in the moment and often your powerful existence reminds me not to sweat the small stuff. Thank you for all of your work and guidance. You are truly my inspiration.
 
Hello Bob!

It's truly an honor and blessing to meet you! I'm completely impressed with you boldness in your approach to help fight HIV/AIDS. I watched your video 'The Fire Within' and was very impressed with your level of honesty.

I've been HIV positive for 11 years now. I feel I've found some peace throughout the years but I can tell you honestly I still have to deal with the 'stigma' that this disease has perpetrated on people who are infected.

Watching you move and reading your site has given me some strength and hope back that I feel I have somehow lost in my battle with my own personal fight and struggle with HIV/AIDS. It's a hard road my friend. But people like you make all the difference when it comes to education, learning and most of all 'HOPE.'

May you have a blessed day and week my friend.

Truly,
~P H O E N I X
 

The Fire Within- AIDS Documentary

 
 

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
~
Attributed to both T.H. Thompson and John Watson

 
 
youth HIV/AIDS education, prevention-HIVictorious provides AIDS awareness in schools, colleges, universities and jails in Wisconsin and the United States   Hey Bob
       Hi....You don't know who I am but my name is Angela and I came across you website,  and  had to email you. To see someone such as yourself with such positive vibes, it's encouraging and I thank you for that. I have lost 2 friends to AIDS and it is devastating.  I commend you for all your hard work and passion to take your experiences and educate people. The world needs more people like you!!!!

peace and much love
Angela
 
YOU my special friend, are the finest example of an angel on earth I have ever found. I'm very proud to be getting to know you and of the person you are and the commitment you share.

Much Love, Bridgita
 
Greetings BELOVED IMMORTAL! My words alone could never express the LOVE and admiration I have for you good sir.

LOVE and BLESSINGS to you my Angel of Good Cheer! - Bert

 

 

Wisconsin AIDS Ride photos-awareness in Madison, Wisconsin-Bob and Teresa Bowers

Bob and Teresa Bowers  walking rider-zero at closing ceremonies for the Wisconsin AIDS Ride

 Wisconsin AIDS Ride photo by Larry Palm
 
 
 
 
Riderless Cycle Ceremony:

A bicycle is now being lead down a center path.
It is without a rider.
But in a larger sense, it is without many riders.
It is without your friends, and my friends.
It is without our lovers, our brothers, our sisters.
It is without AIDS Riders who have joined us on AIDS Rides past.
It is without over 500,000 Americans who have died of AIDS.
We represent them with quilts.
We represent them with memorial services.
We represent them with photographs,
of the memories we share together on this earth.
But now they belong to the ages.
And today, today we represent them with the sweat off our backs, with the muscles in our legs, the breath in our lungs. The stamina to conquer hills, and wind, rain, and adversity. Today we represent them with courage, with dignity, with the grace and strength of HEROES. This bike has no rider, but our bikes will.
Today we represent life gone by, with life still here. More beautiful than any cast in bronze, or carved in granite. And it says we will never forget.
We will never give up. We will never give up. WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP.
As long as we live, we will never give up.


© Pallotta TeamWorks
 
 

Casey-HIV/AIDS bicycle fundraiser providing AIDS awareness in Los Angeles, California

 

R.I.P. Casey

 

Clay Barnes-HIV/AIDS bicycle fundraiser providing AIDS awareness in Los Angeles, California

 

R.I.P. Clay Barnes

   

Bob Bowers aka Da Pirate

 

It is surreal at best to be posting these photos. The above photos of Casey, Clay and me, were taken around 1988. This was a bicycle fundraiser for AIDS, before they had formalized "AIDS Rides" as they do now. I'm saddened beyond words that Casey and Clay lost their valiant fight with AIDS. Clay was my closest friend, confidant and my best man. R.I.P. Angels!
"See you on the other side!"

 

AIDS activists-long-term survivors-youth HIV/AIDS educators-AIDS awareness in Madison, Wisconsin by Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

HIVictorious is deeply grateful to Mayor Dave for his efforts to help us increase AIDS awareness in
Madison, Wisconsin
! Congratulations to 1st place entrant Lizzie Grams from Edgewood High School!

 
Dear Bob,

I just wanted to thank you so much for coming in and speaking to our class. You really inspired me to do something with my life. Your stories really touched me and made anything seem possible. The way you keep battling  really made me remember that there really are good people in the world. I would just want you to know that after you came, you became my hero. The way you deal with your life is amazing. I honestly don't' think I could go through my life like you do, I would give up. If everyone had the will power you had, nothing bad would happen in the world. I admire that instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you stand up and teach kids like me what it is like. I would like you to know that right when I got home from school that day, I told my parents all about the greatest man I have ever seen. Now every day before I go to bed, I say a special prayer just for you. So, thank you for inspiring me to live life to the fullest like you do. Thank you again for coming in and talking to our class.

Sincerely,
Danny A.

 
 
 

 
 

In loving memory of Timothy Alan Luebeck
May 9, 1959 to October 3, 1994

With Love,
Your sister Mona

 

Da Pirate-One Tough Pirate-Madison, Wisconsin-United States

Madison, Wisconsin AIDS Activist, youth HIV/AIDS educator and long-term survivor-Bob Bowers Facebook profile

  Madison, Wisconsin and United States AIDS activists & Youth HIV/AIDS educators-Bob Bowers One Tough Pirate's MySpace profile   AIDS activist - Follow Bob Bowers on Twitter   living with hiv/aids - Bob Bowers YouTube page
 

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Camp Heartland-Youth affected or infected by HIV/AIDS

Da Pirate loves Camp Heartland!

Hi Bob!

It's so great to hear from you. I'm incredibly glad I met you this summer. You are such a strong, inspiring, amazing individual and my life is forever better because I know you.
Love, Amy

....Even today, secrecy still surrounds HIV/AIDS.  Fortunately, Bob Bowers is a leading HIV/AIDS educator, ambassador and spokesperson. Through his speeches, Web sites and new documentary film about his life called The Fire Within Bob is providing much needed leadership in the areas of HIV awareness and prevention. In addition, by living his life with great humor, integrity, strength and purpose, Bob has bridged the gap between diverse groups of individuals and in so doing, has lessened the stigma and discrimination that is so often associated with HIV/AIDS....  

 
 
My review of A Journey of Hope:

"A Journey of Hope is a book that everyone should have the opportunity to read. It embodies the spirit of giving, compassion, caring and hope in a time of great apathy surrounding the disease. It gives an intimate, powerful and honest perspective of just how deeply HIV and AIDS have impacted our youth and families in America. The Journey of Hope profoundly moved me. Then, having had the privilege to serve as a counselor for Camp Heartland this summer, I shed even more tears having witnessed first hand, the raw and un describable beauty and magic of Camp Heartland. I too had the distinct honor to meet the author who is one of the most remarkable and inspiring men I have ever met. His passion and commitment to our youth affected or infected by HIV is truly unparalleled. Mr. Willenson has graciously given you a personal gift, the opportunity to experience a glimpse of the beauty, love and spirit that the children of Camp Heartland possess and those that are fortunate enough to serve with them." ~Da Pirate

 

Click to learn more about, A Journey of Hope, on Amazon.com!

 
 
You know you have my support brother. Thank you, it is I who am honored to know you. Keep up the great work and never give up, never surrender ay mate. Stay strong brother.

~Mic S.
 
We are right with you Bob...we can and will win this war !!!

~Bob S.
 
Thank you soooo much for your Amazing work...rock on my friend!

~ Guillermo S.

 
You are my total inspiration for all the work that I have done, am doing, and am continuing on to do. NEVER FALTER, NEVER SURRENDER!

~ Lee B.
 
I can truly say when I read Your page it gives me Hope, And makes me feel great knowing that there is a HERO named Bob Bowers our there fighting for everyone...God Bless You Bob. Pirate on Me Mate.

~ Fred
 

 

AIDS awareness hand-we are one stop the prejudice

I found out that my friend Steve Meyer passed away on Friday night, peacefully. I can't tell you how shocked I am and how greatly he will be missed by me and countless others. This hand is in his honor and to remember all he did to tirelessly educate others about HIV/AIDS and other social issues.

R.I.P. Mate!

R.I.P. Steve Meyer-You are missed but NEVER forgotten my friend!

 
 
 

 

youth HIV/AIDS awareness poster contest, What if it Were You?

Check out our youth HIV/AIDS awareness poster contest, "What if it Were You?"

 

 

 
Youth HIV/AIDS educator, AIDS activist  & long-term survivor Bob Bowers, One Tough Pirate, also known simply as "Da Pirate." Bob has been living with and surviving HIV/AIDS for 27 years. Bob started as an HIV positive speaker with peer education programs in Los Angeles shortly after his diagnosis. To broaden his personal message of prevention through education, hope and awareness of the disease, Bob founded the nonprofit educational organization, HIVictorious, Inc. in 2005. HIVictorious addresses youth HIV/AIDS education and prevention and provides AIDS awareness in Madison, Wisconsin and throughout the United States through Bob's public speaking and its AIDS awareness poster contest, "What if it Were You?" Mr. Bowers is a leading and well respected AIDS advocate and leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As a long-term survivor of HIV/AIDS, and someone who has lost dozens of friends to AIDS, Bob is wholeheartedly committed to educating today's youth and young adults about the realities of HIV/AIDS, as well as living with AIDS long-term. Mr. Bowers is a champion for hope and survival despite some of the difficult circumstances that we ALL face in life.
 
 

 "Compassion is our cure." ~Bob Bowers

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AIDS awareness memorial memory wall honoring lives lost to HIV/AIDS