Apr 24, 2005
AVON PARK — Every few months, Avon Park’s Camp Wingmann opens its doors to a camp that many don’t know about.
Gathered for a weekend of bonding, education and fun are HIV “infected and affected” people who come from all the over the state to participate for free.
The retreat is not just for those bearing the disease.
It is open to family members and care givers who feel the same pressure as their infected loved ones struggling through a terminal illness that society still shuns.
The brainchild of woman who has made her life with AIDS the starting of a movement, it is also one of the area’s few such gatherings in a place where openness about the disease and counseling for it is missing.
Four years ago, Cathy Robinson Pickett started Friends-Together, Inc. to leave behind a legacy after doctors treating the AIDS-stricken woman of breast cancer told her that she should prepare herself for death.
Instead of getting a death plan, Robinson got a life plan, she said. The mother of two is still living.
That’s the message she and fellow organizers try to tell the motley gathering every year where participants range from newborns to 80 years of age.
Since 2001, over 14 such gatherings have been organized although lack of funds forced the last camp to be canceled.
This time, the group has geared up for a May camp.
Donations are always welcome and those who want to help could do so at the group’s Web site, www.FriendsTogether.org, she said.
Robinson Pickett’s life story is chilling although she says it is a matter-of-fact way.
The virus was planted in her when she was sexually assaulted as a college girl.
For several years she didn’t know she was harboring the infection until she got pregnant with her second son.
Testing showed something that she never dreamed would happen to her.
While many people in her position keep quiet, she came out in the open, advocating how to prevent its spread and fighting for the rights of those infected.
Since 1992, she has been a tireless HIV educator and advocate, traveling hundreds of miles to talk, teach and comfort.
In 2001, she was
recognized as one of 10 outstanding young Americans. The Florida Jaycees also
have conferred on her the Young Floridian of the Year award, in addition to
other plaques and honors she has received.