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Chewee’s Story
“Many of us living with HIV experience challenges in various
parts of our lives. Some of us deal with severe health
issues, some with relationship issues and then there are those
of us who use to struggle with spiritual issues that can lead to
a breakdown of our spirit and our desire to live a full, happy
life.”
Chewee Hughley speaks from personal experience, as he was one of
these persons. Having dealt with being HIV-positive since
1992, battling addiction and having contact with the legal
system as a result of bad choices, he has overcome many
obstacles and become stronger due to his determination and
belief in a ‘power greater than himself.’ Chewee credits
this change in outlook due to his involvement with TIHAN.
When he was first introduced to TIHAN in 2000, Chewee was not
really interested in being social and had little contact with
the agency. After meeting people who were involved in
TIHAN and being encouraged to volunteer, he was still on the
fringes because he had a secret that he wanted to keep well
hidden…
But his secret was suspected: he was using illegal drugs and
was slipping into despair. TIHAN’s Director of
CarePartner Support was aware of Chewee’s struggles, and called
to address it with a loving concern and a strong—but firm—resolve. Chewee heard the stern, loving kindness in
her voice and began the journey to get help to turn around his
life.
Now, Chewee speaks publicly about his gratitude to TIHAN for
being an organization that ministers to the body, mind, soul,
and spirit. He speaks from personal experience about how
TIHAN volunteers live out the mission to “offer our hearts and hands to provide compassionate and
non-judgmental service to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Through education and support, we—as individuals and faith
communities—work to build bridges, reduce stigma and sustain
hope.”
It was that non-judgmental, compassionate concern and love shown
to Chewee that helped strengthen his resolve to turn his life
around. Today, Chewee volunteers tirelessly with the
Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.
Chewee is also a volunteer
DJ at KXCI 91.3 FM’s “Light of the World” gospel program.
He
has now recommitted himself to his ministry with love and
compassion for those who are seen to be on the margins of
society. He has been led to a ministry of “radical
inclusivity” and is envisioning creation of a new church, Church
of Our Faith
~ Fellowship, to continue to carry that message.
As an outspoken advocate within—and for—the African American
community, Chewee has made inroads to share the message with the
secular and faith-based community about the importance of
knowing your HIV status, and—if testing positive for HIV—to get
support and medical care. Chewee wants to educate people of
faith to move past judgment and to embrace inclusivity,
eliminate stigma, and embrace those who are infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS, and to do so in a manner that exemplifies
and honors God.
“I am grateful for TIHAN’s existence and I wish that more people
knew about TIHAN and contributed to its powerful mission,”
Chewee said. “There is a way to change the hearts, minds
and spirits of those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS, and
that is by offering love, compassion, and acceptance—and that is
exactly what TIHAN does so well.”
Chewee believes deeply that he would not be on this path of
self-awareness, acceptance, and growth had it not been for the
“stern, loving words of a TIHAN member who threatened to give me
a swift kick in my ‘blessed assurance’ if I did not get it
together and wake up to the full possibility of what I could
be.”
To make a contribution to support the
work of TIHAN, please click
here or call (520) 299-6647 to make a credit card
donation by phone. You can also mail your check, made payable to
TIHAN, to 2660 North 1st Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85719-2911.
Thank you for making a
difference!
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