Frannie Peabody Center :: Annual Report

Megan’s Story
Megan was only in her late teens when she was diagnosed with HIV. Her diagnosis came after she returned from a vacation in Jamaica where she had unprotected sex with a man who was working at the resort where she was staying.

About a week and a half after she was home Megan fell ill. She was in and out of the emergency room on several occasions, every time with a different diagnosis. Finally, on her last visit to the ER, she was admitted in to the hospital.

She met with an infectious disease doctor, was given a spinal tap and tested positive for HIV. The next day Megan met with a representative from the State and they referred her to Frannie Peabody Center. A few days later she met with a case worker from the agency.

Her case worker helped with everything she needed, including services she did not even realize she needed or could benefit from. Her case worker answered all of her and her parents’ questions. Megan enrolled in Maine Care, and was referred to other agencies as needed.

“Being introduced to the women’s group at Frannie Peabody Center helped me a great deal. I got to talk to other women that were going through the same thing. Once I was ready, they helped me get my story out. Today, I do some public speaking and by telling my story I am helping others be safe. I love the way that makes me feel; to be able to talk about what has happened to me in order to help somebody else. And now I am married to a wonderful man who is HIV negative and loves me for who I am. Two years ago I could have never have seen this happening. Frannie Peabody Center has been a tremendous help for everything I need.”

Cynthia’s Story
Cynthia is a 45-year-old woman, who has been living with AIDS since her diagnosis in May of 1996. When she was initially diagnosed, the doctors were very concerned and did not expect her to recover. They told her parents to prepare for the worst.

She spent two and a half months at Boston City Hospital. She remembered the day her ex-husband, Gary, brought her children in to see her. It had been about eight years since she had seen her children and it was an emotional reunion. Seeing her children gave Cynthia the will to live - she wanted to see her children grow up, graduate, and maybe even get married.

After several years of trial and error with HIV medications and a continuing struggle with alcohol and cocaine abuse, Cynthia decided it was time to try a geographical cure and moved to Maine. She spent a month at Maine Medical Center, and then moved into Peabody House.

It was there that her life turned around. “The care and understanding I received from the nurses and staff at Peabody House was wonderful. I am so thankful for having the opportunity to live at the Peabody House” said Cynthia.

After she moved out of Peabody House in January of 2006, Cynthia got her own apartment with the help of the housing program provided by Frannie Peabody Center. She has a Case Manager who helps her with dental needs, food programs and other incidentals.

She continues: “I am currently the chair person for the Southern Maine Client Advisory Board, and a member of the Advisory Speakers Bureau.”

Sinclair’s Story
Sinclair is a single parent raising his 5 year old son alone after his girlfriend, his son’s mother, left them.
Sinclair found out he was HIV positive in 2004, just after the birth of his son. He was on a family vacation when he came down with flu-like symptoms including a very high fever. He ultimately wound up at Maine Medical Center after having spent a week at the local hospital where they were vacationing. The staff decided to run some more tests including an HIV test which came back positive. Sinclair knew it was from a former girlfriend who was not monogamous during their time together. Fortunately his son and the mother of his son were negative for the infection.

After being discharged from the hospital he went to Family Practice on the East side of Portland, where they referred him to Frannie Peabody Center.

As soon as he met his case worker, Kristin Espey, he felt immediately at ease. Says Sinclair of Kristin, “Kristin is easy to talk to and knows what the client needs before they even have to ask.” Kristin helped Sinclair navigate the complexities of finding the necessary services in order to live an abundant life.

“Let me tell you about being a single parent…I love it.”

Sinclair is able to work only part-time so he can be home when his son is finished with school for the day. He relies on Frannie Peabody Center for food, rental assistance, HIV drug therapy programs, and utility assistance.

“If it wasn’t for my son and Frannie Peabody Center, I am not sure I would be alive today.” -Sinclair