Inspiration Hub
Read about what inspired us to join the diverse PHACS community of medical professionals, CAB members, caregivers, participants, research support, and technical support - and what inspires us to stay.
Are you part of PHACS? If so, we'd love to hear from you, too - click here to share your inspiration!
What does it mean to you to be part of PHACS?
"Being a part of PHACS means that I contribute to the advancement of HIV/AIDS research, and the improvement in quality of life for adolescents and young adults living with HIV. It means that I am, in a very small way, making a difference in someone's life, even if they aren't aware of it. It means that tomorrow might be a little bit better for a teenager living with HIV."
"I get motivation and inspiration working with a great team of people who are devoted to promoting PHACS to people in both the medical field and in the community."
"It's meaningful for me to be part of a professionally diverse team collaborating towards a common goal."
"I am extremely honored to be a part of the project. Seeing the progress of our studies (main and substudies), patient involvement, and staff dedication is very rewarding." - Monitor and Protocol Specialist
"Being part of PHACS means I'm part of a huge family! The PHACS CAB is like my immediate family and the PHACS network is definitely the extended family. I always feel happy and acccepted when I come to this meetings because most people, if not everyone, knows my name. I really enjoy getting to know everyone at PHACS and it's even better when we add new 'family members' to the table." - CAB Member
What inspires you in your work?
"Everyone always learns something new at every [network] meeeting and becomes empowered one way or another! What inspires me every day is watching the achievements of the patients and CAB members at the clinic after atteding support groups, conferences, and CAB meetings. Knowing that something that was said or discussed could change someone's life for the better is very rewarding!" - CAB Member
"My research colleagues inspire me every day. Their hard work and dedication to PHACS and other research study networks is motivating." - Study Coordinator
"I am inspired in my work by the dramatic improvement in quality of life that HIV/AIDS patients have experienced in the last few decades of HIV research. To know that research like ours can have a direct impact on the lives of individuals battling HIV is an inspiration to do the highest quality work possible."
What keeps you going on bad days?
"Staying present and deep breathing." -Dia Cooley, Study Coordinator
"Knowing that our results can improve the health of not only our study subjects, but also others in a similar situation." - Brad Karalius, Research Analyst
"The workload of juggling different protocols can feel exhausting. It is my co-workers who keep me going on bad days. Study coordinators in my team are professionals who respect each other and are always willing to help out in whatever is needed to meet our research objectives." - Study Coordinator
"Knowing that I'm not alone and have the support of my team keeps me going."
"I am inspired by the families I have the pleasure of working with daily, and by keeping kids exposed the virus healthy. I'm also inspired by the fact that each day that passes, we are a day closer to finding a cure for HIV." - Dia Cooley, Study Coordinator
"I'm inspired by the memories of loved ones whose lives have been cut short by this disease, and the fact that I am able to honor them through my work on PHACS." - Victoria Kioko, Protocol Specialist
"When I was born, I was born with a light. When I found out I had HIV, I knew becoming a CAB member was one way of letting it shine just a little bit brighter so it will help someone else's shine." - "Latrice," CAB Member