Personal Information

Thom Collins, a 31 year old international male model/dancer, was diagnosed with HIV on December 15, 1985. He laterlearned that he had been exposed to the virus in 1983 which currently makeshim a 15 year LTNP (Long Term Non Progressor) HIV Positive. Thom has appearedin magazines such as Playgirl, International Male, and Men's Workout, toname a few. He has taken his celebrity model status and formed his own HIV/AIDSservice organization called the Open Your Heart Foundation. Open Your Heartalso operates transitional home for people with HIV/AIDS along with numerousprograms and services to help educate and benefit those affected and exposedto this virus.

Not only is Thom healthy and full of life but, he takes his story on thespeaking circuit yearly and was part of the 3rd annual "Positively Aware"AIDS conference held at Disney World's Dolphin Disney Hotel on May 18, 1996. His motto, "I'm positive, I don't have time to be negative."

Thom has been accused of glamorizing this disease with his chiseled bodyand good looks. He quotes "With one and a half million people nationwide,and 20 million world wide exposed to HIV and AIDS, I am living proof ofhope for a terminal illness that was once a death sentence. If I am guiltyof anything it is of giving people hope. By putting a face on this pandemic."

Thom takes his mission very seriously and talks of living life for todayfor no one, positive or negative, is promised tomorrow. For those exposedhe brings compassion, education, and humor to the disease. One of Thom'smany goals is to teach America to eradicate the shame that has been associatedwith HIV and AIDS.

That's who I am, given to you in the third person. Now for something fromme to you. I would like to thank you for tuning in to my home page. Thisis just the beginning. My web page designers and I have much more in storein the way of information, education and enpowerment of the spirit. Notonly is this page designed for those who are dealing with HIV/AIDS, butyou will soon see that this homepage will exemplify the positive mindsetthat I have incorporated into my lifestyle that will appeal to everyone,positive or negative, on a more universal level...

...EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.