Coping With Fear of AIDS

This letter is for the man who wrote about contracting AIDS from a transfusion and is afraid to tell his friends and neighbors because of his fears that they will ostracize and humiliate him and his family (“Ostracism Adds Cruel and Unusual Punishment to the Death Sentence of AIDS,” Op-Ed Page, June 6).

I think he should give the general public--especially his own circle of friends and neighbors--a little more credit. Here in San Diego we have a prominent businessman who is dying of AIDS and who, along with all his family members, has made the fact public knowledge. He also contracted it from a transfusion.

His daughter has become active in fund-raising and consciousness-raising activities in our community. She receives support and encouragement. His friends have not deserted him--at least not his true friends.

We all salute this man’s courage and his family’s commitment. He, because of the circumstances of contracting AIDS, is teaching the community a lot.

So to the writer who is afraid to publish his name, I say use your name with honor. You can help yourself, your family and your friends. It is ignorance that makes us afraid. Make yourself an example to lead us out of the dark.

SYLVIA LURIE

Bonita