Retreat for HIV+ Women

In early November, 40 women from Central Texas will come together at a secluded retreat center located on 32 acres of naturally wooded land north of Austin, to share their experience of living with HIV in a safe, nurturing, restful environment away from the cares of daily life.

The 1996 Retreat will feature AIDS Medicine and Miracles' international speakers, Jackie Galloway and Sharon Lund. Both women facilitate workshops and retreats for people faced with life-challenging illnesses. Sharon has been living with HIV for 12 years. Attendees will have the choice of participating in educational workshops, support groups, fun activities -- and time to do nothing at all. Besides participants, presenters and support staff will be on site.

The $50 registration fee includes two nights' lodging, all meals, and transportation. Financial assistance is available. Spaces are limited, and registration is required. Registration applications must be received by September 20. Call Sylvia Lopez at 406-6162 or Informe: SIDA at 472-2001 for registration application and information.

The 1996 Retreat, like the first in April 1995, is a weekend getaway modeled on retreats created by the California organization WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Disease), founded by Rebecca Denison. Ms. Denison, HIV+ for 12 years, was featured at the 1995 retreat. Like the WORLD retreats, both central Texas getaways are a response to what Ms. Denison describes as a "culture where so many women with HIV are isolated and afraid." (POZ, '94/'95)

The 1996 HIV+ Women's Retreat Project, coordinated by Sylvia Lopez, is a collaborative effort of a diverse group of women living with HIV disease and women active in social service and community education. The Retreat is made possible in part through the generous financial support of the local community, business organizations, local HIV/AIDS service providers, and partial funding through the Ryan White Care Act.

One woman on the Planning Committee described the Retreat as an opportunity to learn, to rest, to care for the self, and to share with other women living with HIV. The retreat is about nurturing body, mind, and spirit! According to the many women who have attended WORLD retreats, these getaways are about saying "You are not Alone."

Donations in any amount for a fund to assist women with financial need will be gratefully accepted. Contact Sylvia Lopez at 406-6162 if you can help.