SWFL HIV/AIDS advocates fight fear of disease with knowledge

Right now, 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV. That’s more than the population of Delaware. One patient said the diagnosis changed his life.

Advocates in Southwest Florida are fighting the fear of HIV and AIDS with knowledge and education.

“I feel like I’m blessed because I’m still here,” Jody Stokeling said.

When asked, Stokeling agreed he will never forget the day he received his HIV diagnosis. The realization of his diagnosis still brings him to tears.

“I wanted to die,” Jody Stokeling said. “I didn’t know what it was. I went walking down [I-75], and I was going to walk into a tractor trailer.”

But, Stokeling didn’t do that. Instead, he met with doctors who gave him live-saving medication. Now, he is sharing his story in hopes others will get tested on World AIDS Day Saturday, Dec. 1.

“It’s important to be tested and know your status because you could be positive and have no symptoms and have no idea,” Stokeling said.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is one organization putting on a testing and awareness event at Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers on Saturday. The event is 2 to 6 p.m. Free HIV testing and other health screenings will be provided.

“The idea is to remember those who have lost their battle but also to celebrate those who are still fighting,” said Amy Pinter with the AIDS foundation.

Each year, 12,000 people die in the U.S. because of the disease. Since the epidemic started in the 1980s, nearly 700,000 have died.

“The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcomes are,” Pinter said.

Locally, Island Coast AIDS Network off McGregor boulevard in Fort Myers offers rapid tests that take about 15 minutes to provide results with 99.9-percent accuracy.

Both Pinter and Stokeling agree, it’s worth getting tested rather than remain guessing. Fifteen percent of Americans have HIV and are unaware.

Stoekling believes people with HIV and AIDS can live a full, happy life if they take the steps to educate themselves.

“I’m 47 years old,” Stokeling said. “I could live to be 99 if I take my medication.”