CHARLIE SHEEN'S OPEN LETTER ABOUT BEING HIV POSITIVE
'Roughly
four years ago, I suddenly found myself in the throws of a seismic and
debilitating three-day cluster-migraine-like headache. I was emergently
hospitalized with what I believed to be a brain tumor or perhaps some
unknown pathology. I was partially correct. Following a battery of
endless tests, that included a hideous spinal tap, it was sadly and
shockingly revealed to me that I was, in fact, positive for HIV.
'The
news was a "mule kick" to my soul. Those impossible words I absorbed
and then tried to convince myself, that I was stuck, suspended, or even
stranded inside some kind of alternate reality or nightmare, were to the
absolute contrary. I was awake. It was true… reality.
'Under
the brilliant and perfect care of Dr. Robert Huizenga as well as "the"
leading infectious disease expert in the known universe, I began a
rigorous and intensive treatment program. Not missing a beat, a med
dose, or one shred of guidance, quickly my viral loads became
undetectable. Like every other challenge in my life, again, I was
victorious and kicking this disease's ass. I wish my story had ended
there. Unfortunately, for my family and myself, it had only just begun.
'The
personal disbelief, karmic confusion, shame and anger lead to a
temporary yet abysmal descent into profound substance abuse and
fathomless drinking. It was a suicide run. Problem was, I'd forgotten
that I'm too tough for such a cowardly departure. Yet, despite this
loathsome and horrific odyssey, I was vigilant with my anti-viral
program.
'My
medical team could only shake their heads as each and every blood test
returned levels revealing a state of remission. Even though I might have
been trying to kill myself, one thing was radically evident; the
disease was not.
'In
and around this perplexing and difficult time, I dazedly chose (or
hired) the companionship of unsavory and insipid types. Regardless of
their salt-less reputations, I always lead with condoms and honesty when
it came to my condition. Sadly, my truth soon became their treason, as a
deluge of blackmail and extortion took center stage in this circus of
deceit.
'To date, I have paid out countless millions to these desperate charlatans.
'Locked
in a vacuum of fear, I chose to allow their threats and skulduggery to
vastly deplete future assets from my children, while my "secret" sat
entombed in their hives of folly (or so I thought).
'News
Flash: This ends today. I'm claiming back my freedom. The scales of
justice will swiftly and righteously re-balance themselves.
'In
conclusion, I accept this condition not as a curse or scourge, but
rather as an opportunity and a challenge. An opportunity to help others.
A challenge to better myself.
'Every
day, of every month, of every year, countless individuals go to work,
man their stations, fulfill their professional obligations with a host
of disabilities. Diseases, imperfections, hurdles, detours. These
maladies range from lupus to cancer, from paralysis to blindness, from
diabetes to obesity. "Treated," HIV is no different.
'My partying days are behind me. My philanthropic days are ahead of me.
'Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "Courage is grace under pressure."
'I've served my time under pressure; I now embrace the courage, and the grace.
'Love and peace,Charlie Sheen'
Comments
Post a Comment