Diagnosed with HIV in the late 1980s, Paul considers himself lucky to be a long-time survivor and is thankful he has had access to resources like Project Open Hand.
“I felt like I always had an angel on my shoulder,” Paul explained. “Even though there were challenges, my journey hasn’t been a curse in any way.”
Paul’s has a real-life angel: his cockatoo, Casper, who literally perches on Paul’s shoulder as he ventures about town. Named after Casper the Friendly Ghost, Casper is an intelligent companion, eager for attention. The pair creates joy wherever they go, including the Project Open Hand Grocery Center, when they visit to pick up healthy groceries.
Paul became a client after hearing about Project Open Hand from his friend, another client who often shared food and groceries with Paul. After tagging along with his friend on a trip to the Grocery Center, Paul learned he was eligible for our services.
“Visiting Open Hand opened my eyes. I saw they were helping a lot of people, and I was really glad to find they could help me, too,” Paul said. “Getting healthy food from Project Open Hand so I can eat right is one of the things that has folded into my life.”
Originally from Australia, Paul travelled to the United States after he graduated from his university studies to participate in a work exchange program. After getting a dose of what it was like to live in San Francisco, he fell in love with what he believes to be the greatest city in the world.
Now retired from a career in corporate advertising, Paul enjoys playing the piano and spending time outside with his best buddy, Casper. No matter where they go, people laugh and gasp in amazement whenever Casper introduces himself or performs a trick.
“It’s a nice thing to have something in your life that brings smiles to everybody,” he said, smiling at Casper on his shoulder.