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After 43 years of doing everything in life (at least once) I still have not decided what to do for a living. It seems that learning, living, coping and sharing it with others is where I am at the moment. In fact 15 years of this and still loving it.
On January 14, 1990, I was diagnosed with full blown AIDS. I was smart and new that I had been at risk. The risk did not matter to me, I was more interested in getting high and looking for the next hit of some drug. After my diagnosis hit me, I new that I had to change some things in my life. One of those things was to get clean. I have been successful with this effort now for 14 years. The next thing was to learn about AIDS and how to take care of my self.
I began to read and find articles on the web. During the 90’s their was not much about AIDS anywhere. That never kept me from trying to learn more. I have been on several regimens during this time. One of which was 63 pills a day. YUK!!! Now I only take 2 in the morning and 3 at night. Wow how times have changed.
During this time I found that I had a knack for sharing the information that I have learned for myself with others. I also realized that my story could have an impact on others and help them think about the risk that they may be taking. Hoping that this would help them see the light, I began to lecture about drug use and risky behavior. As the old saying goes, if I could only help one, I have made a difference.
Since that day in 1990, I have worked hard on sharing my story and information. I am very proud that I have lived to talk to teens and adults all across the United States.
I love to lecture in treatment centers, where I bring a cold reality to risky behavior in a language that addicts can understand.
Schools, Churches and Organizations have been on the top of the list. The more that can learn the facts about AIDS the better. My mission is that each person that hears the information will tell one other and the message will grow.
I have done TV, Radio, Newspapers, conventions and events. Where ever there is on open ear to hear the message on AIDS prevention and education, I will help. The newest effort for me is The Ask Rik Show, featured on the internet. It’s a bi-monthly production where I host a radio show that answers questions about risk behavior and prevention education. It’s geared towards teens, but it’s fun for all ages. I bring many of my comedy faces and voices into the show.
I have always been a fun and joking kind of person. I love to heal with laughter. In this light I have done several comedy routines for fundraisers and events. My favorite is PeeCan HoMack, where I sing How Do I Live Without You and bring out hundreds of AIDS Medicine bottles and handout to the audience. I love to tell a joke and to share funny stories about my self. It brings laughter into a live that my not be able to see that life goes on and can been fun, no matter what live hands you, if only for a moment.
Currently I keep a steady lecture schedule at Universities, Conventions, State and Local agencies and many others, life continues to be, it’s a new life now, but I am here.
Rik
Rik has been providing HIV education and prevention for 15 years all across the state of Arkansas. Rik is a certified CDC HIV counselor and American Red Cross trained educator. He has been featured on KTVE Region 10 News and Viewpoint as well as having many feature articles in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and other local newspapers. Rik provides HIV education to churches, community and civic groups, schools and colleges, home health and hospice workers, addiction treatment centers and more. If you would like information on how you can have Rik provide your group with compassionate AIDS awareness and HIV prevention education please email him and request more information.
Mission Statement
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