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November 28, 2007

Montanans to be Honored for
Leadership in AIDS Fight

George DeKay was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS several years ago.

The Missoula man today lives with severe physical discomfort and limitations.

However, he has refused to hand his life over to the virus.

Along the way, DeKay has inspired others and that’s why he is one of nine Montanans and two Montana agencies who will be honored during the Governor’s HIV/AIDS Recognition Awards ceremony at the Capitol, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to noon in Helena.

DeKay will be honored under the category ‘person living with HIV or AIDS.’

The event commemorates World AIDS Day 2007 and coincides with similar events around the globe.

A complete list of award recipients follows:

  • Terry Cyr, volunteer, Ryan White Program, Missoula. For the past 20 years, Cyr has been actively working for people with HIV by reaching out to young men at risk.


  • George DeKay, person living with HIV, Missoula. DeKay has dealt with some of the worst physical symptoms of HIV/AIDS always with good humor, profound courage and generosity of spirit.


  • Michael Downing, DDS, dentist, Billings Community Health Center, Billings. Dr. Downing has been a leader in the state dental community and a champion for HIV/AIDS education and care.


  • Nancy Kelley, volunteer, Missoula AIDS Council, Missoula. For 13 years, Kelley has worked to decrease stigma and increase understanding of HIV as an active member in the Missoula AIDS Council HIV-Positive Speakers Bureau.


  • Kathy Mackey, Ryan White Program Assistant, Missoula. Mackey was nominated for her care, advocacy and devotion to serving clients with HIV while working at the Partnership Health Center.


  • Christopher Peterson, Case Manager for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), Missoula. Peterson consistently shows his dedication to clients by diligently examining every possibility for assistance, including many beyond the realm of housing.


  • Clyde Ross, person living with HIV/AIDS, Montana HIV Prevention Community Planning Group, Libby. Ross is a mentor to other people with HIV who face stigma, depression, and addiction and has told his story on the DVD titled, ‘Positive Living’, which was produced for the Ryan White program earlier this year.


  • Annie Sondag, Ph.D., Professor, University of Montana Department of Health and Human Performance, Missoula. Dr. Sondag has been a professor at the University of Montana in the Health and Human Performance Department for nearly 15 years and a significant portion of her research throughout these years has been in the area of HIV and AIDS.


  • Stephen Thiel, person living with HIV/AIDS, Missoula. Thiel is not afraid to face the stigma of living with AIDS. When an opportunity arises to share his story with one person, or one hundred people, Thiel speaks with a clear, genuine voice, starts from the beginning with his story, and openly encourages questions.


  • Connections, non-profit support organization for at-risk individuals, Bozeman. Connections is an organization that supports and encourages positive life changes for individuals who have been incarcerated, addicted to drugs, or are youth at risk.


  • University Congregational Church women’s group, Missoula. Helen Bolle, Shirley Tiernan and Grace Will have been referred to as ‘angels’ for their work hosting, preparing, and personally paying for the “Friends and Family Dinner” each month for the last 10 years. The dinner is for members of the HIV/AIDS community and their families.
Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger and Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Joan Miles will present the awards to the recipients.

According to Laurie Kops, supervisor of the HIV/STD Section for DPHHS, the recipients come from different backgrounds, but all have one element in common. “These Montanans are committed to making a difference in the lives of those living with HIV and AIDS,” she said. “They are devoted to speaking against stigma and discrimination. They are willing to educate others in their communities, and influence the way Montanans face the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.”

World AIDS Day is celebrated each year on December 1, in order to create awareness and encourage support for AIDS services. The World AIDS Day theme this year is, “Take the Lead. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.”

In Montana, 488 people are living with HIV or AIDS. That number includes two children and 45 people over 49 years of age. More than one-million Americans are currently living with HIV or AIDS. Forty-one thousand Americans are infected with HIV each year and half of them are teenagers.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS. HIV and is transmitted through unprotected sexual activity with an infected person, or by sharing hypodermic needles with someone who is infected. There is still no cure, but breakthrough antiretroviral medicines have greatly increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV and AIDS. For more information, visit www.health.mt.gov or www.worldaidscampaign.org

For information about Friday’s event contact Mary Ann Dunwell at 406-444-4117.

Page last updated: 11/28/2007