There is a responsibility that comes with being lucky enough to get old.
Life is so precious, says 80-year-old Shirley Young. When were blessed [not to die at a young age], its criminal not to embrace everything. I believe in gratitude. People should go through life with gratitude for what they have, not thinking about what they dont have.
Such a philosophy was born out of loss. Her son, the late Dr. Peter Jepson-Young, was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1985. He shared his story, and made the AIDS crisis more personal, through the Dr. Peter Diaries on CBC; his last diary entry was two weeks before he died in 1992.
Instead of concentrating on what was denied to her son because of AIDS, Shirley Young and her husband Bob focus on what Peter was able to achieve both during his illness and long after his death through the Dr. Peter Centre.
Medicine was really his passion and he didnt get to practise, Mrs. Young says, noting that Peter became ill shortly after getting his medical degree. I like to think of the Dr. Peter Centre as his practice and the people come there for his energy and his healing.
It just like a magical story. What gives Bob and I comfort is we think Peter had a mission.
This September is the 10th anniversary of the stand-alone centre, which is kitty corner to the back end of St. Pauls Hospital on Comox. Built with contributions from the City of Vancouver, province of British Columbia and countless private and corporate donations, the centre includes 24 residential suites plus a seven-day-a-week drop-in and support programs for 400 members.
The vast majority of individuals living with HIV do not need the Dr. Peter Centre, says Maxine Davis, the centres executive director. They are self-care capable and have a network of support. The Dr. Peter Centre is geared towards supporting individuals who do not have that support. Were creating a fairness about life. This ensures that individuals have an opportunity to be as healthy as possible and through that you create a fairer society.
Several years ago, Vancouvers Downtown Eastside was deemed a public health emergency. New infection rates for HIV were startlingly high. A nurse was sent onto the streets to ask people why they werent taking their medication. She was so struck by a common theme that she titled her report All I Want is Food to Eat, A Roof Over My Head and Somebody to Give a Damn.
Fulfilling that trilogy of needs is, to a great extent, whats made the Dr. Peter Centre such a respected, trusted and valued resource. By helping people with all of their needs, not just their medical ones, its played a big role in reducing the number of new cases of HIV in British Columbia to 200 a year, down from 900 a year when it first opened its doors.
People living with HIV have needs greater than survival, says Shirley, who volunteers every Wednesday morning by serving breakfast at the centre. You might survive but youll have a broken spirit if you dont have someone who gives a damn. I hear their stories and say, There but for the grace of God.... Were all very fragile and it wouldnt take a lot in our lives to fall apart.
She admires the staff tremendously. They are without judgement and know that part of their role is just being there, to provide care and support. They provide such a loving environment.
(For her part, Davis says Shirley is the heart of the place. The clients adore her and are grateful for her presences.)
A relatively new feature of the centre is enhanced supportive housing within close walking distance of the centre. Support and medical care is provided to people who perhaps are in transition from the 24-hour care at the centre or in hospital. Other features include art therapy, music therapy and a nutrient-rich food program.
Although fundraising initiatives to support programming are ongoing, the annual Passions gala is the primary fundraising event for the centre. This years evening features 24 chefs trying to outdo one another on Sun., Sept. 15 at the centre. Tickets are $225 for general admission; $300 includes a champagne reception. Go to DrPeter.org to buy tickets or to discover ways you can volunteer and share your own passions.
To watch a video of the history of the Dr. Peter Centre, go to AIDS Vancouver's 30 Years, 30 Videos project and click on the year 2003.
