By D. Kevin McNeir
The problems that exist for those affected with HIV/AIDS are manifold. Sometimes the diagnosis means being ostracized by one's family and friends. It often brings a host of personal challenges, including depression and isolation. And, of course, there are the physical setbacks or side effects that come from taking cocktails and other medicines aimed at assisting the body's compromised immune system.
Add to these life-changing issues the legal problems that can unexpectedly accompany life when one is living with HIV/AIDS and it is no wonder that those affected sometimes find themselves completely overwhelmed—ready to give in and give up.
That's why agencies like AIDS Legal Council of Chicago ( ALCC ) , 188 W. Randolph, have become so essential in efforts to maintain a respectable quality of life for those who must personally deal with HIV/AIDS.
But it costs money to assist those who already find their financial reserves dwindling—if not depleted—given the cost of medicine; hospital visits; regular physical examinations; and supplementary foods and vitamins. They are, therefore, unable to secure adequate legal counsel when confronted with discrimination at the job, domestic violence at home or problems related to immigration.
In efforts to defray the cost of legal representation for their current and potential clients, ALCC recently held a concert at Chicago's DuSable Museum that featured the multi-talented singer Terisa Griffin.
Griffin, an amazing vocalist and performer, put on a one-woman show, Queens of Rhythm and Blues, featuring the music of female musical legends such as Aretha Franklin, Dinah Washington, Donna Summer, Tina Turner and Diana Ross. Those lucky enough to attend showed their love with numerous standing ovations.
The sold-out event raised approximately $5,000 for the ALCC.
Executive Director Ann Fisher noted, 'Terisa has an amazing voice and heart to match and ALCC thanks her and her stellar band for the wonderful show.' All proceeds benefit ALCC's Community of Color Outreach Initiative.
Jamal Edwards, a member of ALCC's board of directors and chairperson of the fundraising committee, said the event exceeded his expectations.
'We chose the DuSable as the venue this year because we realize how important it is to extend our outreach objectives in the Chicago South Side community,' he said. 'We were able to meet our fundraising objectives and introduce ALCC to a new community of interests. And because of Terisa's support, we will be able to do even more in legal-related work that is vital to those living with HIV/AIDS.
'Even before they meet their all-too-early demise, those with this disease often encounter a seemingly interminable barrage of obstacles in their dealings with our legal system: denial of Medicare coverage, refusal to respect will and inheritance rights and violations of their rights of privacy and dignity, just to name a few.'
Do you know your legal rights if you are HIV-positive? Can you be denied a job, an apartment or medical treatment? How can the law protect you? These and other issues are what ALCC tackle every day with attorneys, paralegals, administrative assistants and volunteers.
For more information see their Web site, www.aidslegalcouncil.com or ( 312 ) 427-8990.