HIV is not a death sentence
Gary Allpass has lived positively with HIV for the past 28 years. It is possible!
Gary Allpass has made it his life’s mission to beat his HIV status and helping to get rid of the stigma around the disease.
“We got to have a voice,” says the 57 year old activist.
Allpass was diagnosed with HIV in the early 90s, when there was no official treatment for the disease in the country.
“I was given a rock to die under.
“When I got infected, I got really sick in a short space of time.
“I was given six months to live.”
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He says he lost 30 kilograms in two weeks.
“I waited for the six months, believing that I was going to die.”
But after six months, he was still alive.
In fact, he was getting better.
And that was his light bulb moment.
He realised that he could live well, he just had to adjust his lifestyle.
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“They discovered that I had a seroconversion illness.
“I am still alive; HIV medicine works.
“I am strong and healthy.
“Each person reacts differently to HIV.
“Eat healthy, stop drinking and smoking.
“Exercise. Be very careful not to catch TB.”
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Allpass says that everyone should get tested for HIV .
“If you have been infected, the life span for people who choose not to take their medication, is between 5 and 10 years.”
He says that although the medicines do not cure the disease, they suppress the viral load.
At this point, he says his viral load is so low that the virus is undetectable in his blood.
“We have found that once that is done you can lead a normal life.”
One of the ways Allpass stays fit is through participation is dressage.
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The equestrian has represented South Africa in a few international competitions, including the 2012 London Paralympics.
“I am now working towards qualifying for Paris 2024.
“I need sponsorship for that, because I will compete as an individual,” he explains.
Gary Alllpass has been living with HIV for 28 years.]
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