By Ella Shapiro
Even though Women’s History Month has come to an end, AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) wanted to continue the celebration of impactful women by recognizing a local advocate who has devoted herself to supporting other women for almost 30 years. Dr. Cynthia Tucker, AFC’s Vice President of Prevention and Community Partnerships, has spent decades helping cisgender...
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By Ella Shapiro
Working as a server can be incredibly stressful. During my shifts I am constantly multitasking: running food, taking orders and calming upset customers. I prepare each day by stocking extra plates and silverware, making sure I know the daily specials and fluffing the cushions on each chair. I prepare like this in the hopes my shift will run more smoothly. But being...
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Revised March 29, 2021
1. Safety
The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. No steps have been skipped during the rigorous and highly regulated development process. All COVID-19 vaccines were thoroughly reviewed and approved for use by the U.S. FDA.
2. How COVID-19 vaccines work
All three vaccines –Johnson & Johnson (J&J),...
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By Ella Shapiro
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Milani Varela, 33, used to take the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) twice a week to a clinic where she attended individual and group therapy sessions. When her clinic closed to support social distancing, Milani's therapy sessions moved to Zoom. This let Milani sleep in later, save money on transportation and reduce her risk of exposure...
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By Mia Caballero
I started my social media internship at AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) in January of 2020, a few months before most staff started working remotely. I am extremely grateful to have had two months to get to know some staff and attend in-person meetings like the Annual Meeting. Because a lot of the work I do is online, it wasn’t too hard to transition to working...
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By Ella Shapiro
For 35-year-old Chicago-based community activist Jo MaMa, attending their doctor appointments used to be a nightmare. At the time, Jo wasn’t comfortable with their HIV status being public. When Jo went to the doctor in-person, they felt they ran the risk of seeing someone they knew and compromising their privacy. As a result, Jo would experience severe anxiety...
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Update: On March 17, 2021, the City of Chicago announced anyone 16 and older who is living with HIV will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines after Monday, March 29. The supply of vaccines will remain limited, and it may be challenging for people living with HIV to get an appointment. AFC recommends that people who are eligible contact their primary care provider if they have one. Residents can...
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Cecil Dearborne joined AFC's Board in 2020. Since 1992, he has worked in the IT consulting industry, focusing on business transformations and product development. He currently leads operations and strategy within North America for his company's Enterprise Modernization, Platforms, and Cloud service line. Although he is a tech guy at heart, as a...
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By Bailey Williams
Courtney Eshay Key, age 25, was shot and killed Christmas Day , 2020 . Courtney, a Black trans woman, is survived by her mother, brother, and sister , who loved her dearly .
“I know for a fact that Courtney just wanted to thrive,” said longtime friend Beverly Ross. “She just wanted to beat the odds and become...
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By Bailey Williams
Tyianna “Davarea” Alexander, age 28, was shot and killed Saturday, Jan. 6, 2021 in a car with her best friend Brandon Chris, who also died. Tyianna, a Black trans woman, is survived by her sister and mother, who loved her dearly.
Born and raised in Chicago, Tyianna attended Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and graduated from CPS’ Harper High School...
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