Shawn Decker April 2010

It is with great honor we name Shawn Decker as our Dab the AIDS Bear's Angel for April 2010.

Shawn was born in Waynesboro, Virginia on July 16, 1975. He was diagnosed with HIV at age 11, through the use of tainted blood products used to treat a blood disorder he was born with called hemophilia.

In 1996, he posted a web site called "My Pet Virus: The True Story of a Rebel Without a Cure", writing humorous articles about himself and blogging about life with HIV. He was then asked to start blogging for POZ.

His perspective on growing up HIV positive is a fascinating, often funny, and hopeful journey. Shawn is someone who knows first hand that being HIV positive does not have to mean tragedy.

Shawn and his partner Gwenn travel the country speaking at colleges, high schools, HIV/AIDS events and conferences sharing their story about living in a sero-discordant relationship, how HIV has affected his life and touch the hearts of everyone they come into contact.

Shawn also participates regularly in HIV/AIDS events like AIDS walks and fund raisers. Shawn does all this while dealing with his multiple health conditions.

He is also a musician and is lead singer for his techno band. Shawn is also known as a huge coffee lover. But most of all, Shawn is known for his passion, his big heart and helping others.

It is because of men like Shawn, the world realizes HIV is not a gay disease. It is a virus who can infect anyone.

Because of these and many more reasons, it is our honor to announce Shawn Decker as our Dab the AIDS Bear's Angel for April 2010.