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Bob Bowers HIV AIDS long-term survivor Houston Texas

where there's a will, there's a way!

one tough pirate bob bowers hiv aids survivors website logo

"My personal ambition is to inspire and motivate everyone to be victorious in life's challenges. In this process I educate about the cause of HIV/AIDS, the consequences of having it, and how I have survived for 39 years."


~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

Dear Bob,


I just wanted to thank you so much for coming in and speaking to our class. You really inspired me to do something with my life. Your stories really touched me and made anything seem possible. The way you keep battling  really made me remember that there really are good people in the world. I would just want you to know that after you came, you became my hero. The way you deal with your life is amazing. I honestly don't' think I could go through my life like you do, I would give up. If everyone had the will power you had, nothing bad would happen in the world. I admire that instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you stand up and teach kids like me what it is like. I would like you to know that right when I got home from school that day, I told my parents all about the greatest man I have ever seen. Now every day before I go to bed, I say a special prayer just for you. So, thank you for inspiring me to live life to the fullest like you do. Thank you again for coming in and talking to our class.

Sincerely,
Danny A.

What I really liked about last Wednesday was our guest speaker Mr. Bowers. His story was not only moving but also extremely empowering. He  really talked straight from his heart, which was very admirable. He talked about his experiences with HIV and sort of "told it like it is" without sugar coating anything. He made HIV seem very real in that he put a face to the disease. We have been learning about what HIV is and what it does to the body etc., but we have not had a lot of opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the disease first hand. It is really awesome that he is such a strong person and does not let hate and ignorance interfere with his life. 

Katrina-University of Wisconsin-Madison

I wanted to congratulate you on your journey living with HIV... you are truly my inspiration... I think that people often underestimate us... I just wanted to let you know that I am applauding your efforts, your honesty and your fight...I am so grateful to call you my friend... you have touched my heart and opened my eyes...Your openness has shifted my life for the better and you are my hero...

~ Robert

Now This News.png

HIV/AIDS long-term survivor Bob Bowers speaking on stigma for Now This News for World AIDS Day 2022

One Tough Pirate Bob Bowers Website

There isn't a 'perfect plan' for people living with HIV/AIDS. Long-term survival requires access to care and treatment. Hope, compassion, support and an immense desire to live are vital! I am indeed blessed to have experienced all of these throughout my 39 years of living with HIV. This is why I advocate so tirelessly for other people who are living with this disease - to help reduce the stigma and hopelessness still too often associated with having the virus.
 

~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

Bob Bowers enabled me to see the "real" side of HIV and AIDS. Bob Bowers' incredible presentation of his life story was truly inspirational. His honesty and passion brought this issue to the forefront of my mind. The most important thing I learned from Bob is that HIV is not a death sentence. His strength and his courage are inspiring. I will definitely go hear him again. 

 ~ Stacey C.-UW-Madison

Bob was a very influential speaker. He made me think about life in a whole different way. I respect and admire the way he has chosen to live the rest of his life. Rather than sulking and giving up on life, he has chosen to make the most out of the time he has been given. I think it's amazing that he is dedicating his life to teaching other people about HIV/AIDS. It really made me think about how I want to live my life. Rather than scaring me into making safe choices, Bob made me really think about my life and how much I need to value it. How I should protect myself and others from making bad decisions that we will later regret. Not only fatal decisions but just little things in everyday life. His speech made me want to call my brother and tell him I love him, and go play with my sister for an hour. He made me realize that it is the little choices tat we make that can change our lives.

Maggie P.-Edgewood High School Freshman

What a compassionate human being Bob Bowers is. There wasn't one person in that room Saturday night that wasn't moved by what Bob had to say. His presentation wasn't about "my life living with AIDS." It was about his outrage and suffering for others that people are still dying from a PREVENTABLE disease. I was honored to have seen him speak Saturday night.    

~ Linda

You are one great guy! Showing the world that there is no difference to live like the next guy. I am glad I found your profiles. Thanks Bob you are the rain in the arid desert world of AIDS. RIGHT ON ONE TOUGH PIRATE!

Thanks,
Lydia

You should be proud of those kids and wow a billboard! Most of all I believe you should be proud of yourself!! You are truly an amazing person and touch my heart. I will never ever forget when Chris told me your story. I will always be blown away by the strength you have. You're an amazing person Bob. May the angels who have watched over my crazy ass wayyyyyyyy too many times watch over you as well
 

~ Heather

There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul...

--Ella Wheeler Wilcox

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