Home > Blog > Mark's Story: Journey to Wellness
Mark (right) and Project Open Hand caseworker Melanie Born celebrate at Hand to Hand
Mark (right) and Project Open Hand caseworker Melanie Born celebrate at Hand to Hand
By Jane Hong, Communications Intern
Categories:
HIV

Some days, the fatigue brought on by HIV makes it hard for Mark to even get out of bed. But he is a fighter, determined not to let his illness strip him of his passion for living and giving back to our community.

Mark first connected with Project Open Hand in 2008, when his health was on the upswing, and his doctor suggested he check out volunteering as a way to get out of the house.

Eager to be more active, Mark began delivering meals with love to our clients in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. He also discovered that he was eligible to receive healthy groceries from Project Open Hand.

“By the time I was feeling well enough to volunteer, I had depleted all of my savings, so getting groceries from Project Open Hand was a huge help. I am truly grateful for the tasty, nutritious food I received.”

“Unfortunately, I didn’t know about Project Open Hand when I needed it most,” Mark added, recalling his sickest days, when he spent almost 21 hours a day sleeping.

Through volunteering at Project Open Hand, Mark made several meaningful connections, meeting the people who are his best friends today. One referred and recommended Mark to the part-time sales job he now holds.

“Volunteering with Project Open Hand has been my best experience in the city,” Mark said. “I found friends that I now consider family, and I got to help those who needed it.”

Feeling stronger and earning a small, but steady income, Mark decided to stop receiving services from Project Open Hand several months ago.

“I know that I will need help from Project Open Hand in the future, but for now – for me – I want to know that people who are sick and hungry and really need these meals are getting them.”

Today, Mark volunteers on our Advocacy Committee, and recently testified at San Francisco City Hall to encourage city officials to continue funding AIDS service programs.

“HIV is not a death sentence anymore,” Mark said. “But I can tell you it’s a life sentence.”

As Mark continues on his journey to wellness, he challenges his peers to start one hobby or activity that they used to enjoy passionately and to volunteer their time to support our community.

Oakland

1921 San Pablo Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-0221
Email Us

San Francisco

730 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 447-2300
Email Us