Making strides for AIDS

Although thousands of men, women and children suffer from HIV-AIDS in South Florida, few are willing to discuss the disease with friends, relatives and the media.

"There is a stigma connected to the disease just like there is to mental illness," said Dr. Paul Weiss, psychiatrist who lives part time in Wilton Manors with his partner of 21 years, Bryan D. Freehling.

Weiss and Freehling were among the 5K AIDS walkers. Freehling was chairperson of the Temple Beth El of Hollywood delegation that participated in the walk.

Congregation Etz Chaim in Wilton Manors also had a group of walkers that participated.

"I personally believe we have the capacity to better our life and our community by becoming more engaged and involved in important social issues," Freehling said. "I recently joined Temple Beth El and asked the social action committee to become involved in the Florida AIDS Walk and they were very receptive to the idea."

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-05-30/news/fl-jjbs-aids-0531-20120530_1_hiv-aids-weiss-disease