Even in temperate San Francisco, where traditional seasons tend to lose their distinction, there is no denying that the winter holidays are rapidly approaching. If Halloween decorations and costume parties weren't enough of a clue, certainly the jarring early evening darkness brought on by the end of Daylight Savings Time sends the message loud and clear: the holidays are upon us.

At Maitri, we tend to celebrate all holidays with flair, simply because doing so helps to mark the passage of time in a fun way that everyone seems to enjoy. But the fall/winter holidays are particularly special in that they help bring residents, volunteers and staff together for shared activities. This starts with our traditional Halloween party, as residents choose their favorite disguise from boxes of donated costumes and accessories, to the fabulous family-style Thanksgiving dinner to the traditional tree lighting/trimming accompanied by festive Christmas/Hanukkah/seasonal music from visiting members of the Gay Men's Chorus.

Some of our residents have told us that what they enjoy most about the holidays here is the sense of togetherness and positive spirit, celebrating seasonal traditions at Maitri just like they have done at home for their entire lives.

We invite you, our cherished supporter, to join us for our December Open House and/or special Holiday Dinner... to experience for yourself the joy of the season in classic Maitri style. Of course, we also hope that you will remember Maitri in your year end charitable giving. As always, thank you so much for your generous support of Maitri's programs benefiting our residents who struggle every day with advanced AIDS.

Here's what we have to share with you in the Winter 2011 issue:

Before Michael came to Maitri, he had a history of meningitis, cancer, fungal infections, hepatitis and so many other health issues that his father had jokingly ordered him to "stop being so medically interesting and maybe you won't need to go to the hospital so much!" When he arrived at Maitri, he weighed 112 pounds and his t-cell count was below 150 but that didn't stop him from persevering and addressing each issue as it arose with the mindset of them not being setbacks but just another hurdle to overcome.

Michael's pragmatic attitude differs from when he was first diagnosed with AIDS in 1999 while living in Philadelphia. Although that urban center had a strong and supportive AIDS community, he went through a downward spiral that led to many medical complications. He knew a change was needed, so when his father and siblings moved west, he followed. Michael is close to his family and is especially proud of his sister's 6 year old daughter who is already showing the family's stubborn strong-will.

Michael's guiding philosophy is to "live for himself and not for corporate profit". While his perspective is evolving into one that is more resilient and tolerant, he is still disappointed with the reduction in funding for people living with AIDS and is determined to overcome setbacks that may distract him from his goals in regaining his health.

Since arriving at Maitri, Michael has gained weight - he's currently a svelte 140lbs, his t-cells are on the rise, he's undergoing radiation treatment, dealing with hepatitis B and continuing to make strides towards improving his health. He is especially grateful for Maitri's social worker, Melanie, who has been instrumental in helping him navigate through the myriad of resources available. With the respite care he is receiving at Maitri, he envisions his health stabilizing and become manageable enough so that he can return to the community. Maitri is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Michael's life adventure.

Even though Kirk has lived in the neighborhood for over 17 years and had passed by Maitri's doors almost daily, he didn't actually know anything about Maitri until one fateful day last May. While waiting for a Muni train across the street, Kirk was approached by a volunteer who asked him if he wanted to know more about Maitri. She serendipitously introduced him to Stan Stone (Maitri's Volunteer Coordinator) who, it turned out, knew Kirk from previous associations in San Francisco's local theater scene. It was during this chance meeting that Kirk was finally introduced to our home and our mission of compassionate care.

Having lived in San Francisco since the early 1980's, when the city was at the epicenter of the early AIDS epidemic, Kirk felt first-hand the painful loss of numerous friends and understands well the need for compassionate, non-judgmental care for those living with HIV/AIDS. After speaking with Stan, it was clear that Maitri was the perfect opportunity to not only fulfill his desire to volunteer with people living with AIDS, but to also combine this with another life role... as a Reiki healing practitioner. In addition to the emotional and practical support that Kirk is able to provide, he is pleased that he can offer the additional nurturing gift of weekly Reiki treatments to our residents. Initially, there were only a few residents partaking in his Reiki treatments, but as word spread by those who have had sessions with Kirk, many more residents are now signing up to enjoy the healthful benefits of Kirk's energetic healing work.

Kirk recalls one recent session when a resident came to him for a Reiki treatment: "I could tell he was having a particularly bad day, without even saying anything. But by the end of the process, it was clear that a huge shift had occurred for him. The resident told me he felt deeply relaxed and at peace. He left our session with a huge smile on his face. That felt really gratifying for me."

Kirk shares that being a Maitri volunteer has many rewards. "Being able to help in even the smallest ways - running an errand for someone, serving a meal, or just sitting at someone's side - makes me happy to be a part of Maitri."

Consider becoming a Maitri volunteer and experience the valuable lessons that helping others less fortunate can provide. Information including a volunteer application and a training schedule can be found at www.maitrisf.org.

All had a spook-tacular time at this year's Maitri Halloween Party. The Master of Ceremonies was none other than Volunteer Coordinator, Stan Stone who dressed in a colorful harem costume, rallied residents, volunteers, and staff alike to join in our annual Halloween costume contest.

In the Maitri living room - fully decorated to scare and delight - costumed residents, staff and volunteers paraded before guest judges, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. First prizes went to residents dressed as a creepy witch, a naughty nurse, a shimmering 70's disco queen, and a haunting Lord of the Dark. Volunteer accolades went to a bee, a warrior, and a musketeer while Maitri staff members strutted before the esteemed judges in costumes ranging from a pirate captain, a princess, an Arabian dancer, and a chilling rendition of Leatherface, the chainsaw killer, who ran through the resident wing to terrorize any who dared approach!

With the assistance of her multi-talented staff, Ann Kong, Food Services Director, presented a wickedly delicious array of fantastical treats including her signature prosciutto-covered skull, deviled eggs, homemade wontons, "Ants on a Stick" (celery stalks with raisins), Children of the Corndogs, and Mummy Cupcakes.

Check out the fun photos taken at this year's Maitri Halloween party!

THROUGH THESE EYES

Corner Room by Lauren Parks

Maitri Compassionate was a featured subject in the juried exhibition and auction, Through These Eyes. The event took place on October 27, 2011 at the McLoughlin Gallery and benefited long-time Maitri supporter, the Richmond Ermet AIDS Foundation. Maitri is especially pleased that photographer Lauren Parks won first prize with her photograph, Corner Room (see left). We were also well represented with photographs by Christopher Connelly (see below)

You can read an article about Lauren Parks and her Maitri photographic experience on Bay Times

Feeling lucky? Purchase an Academy of Friends raffle ticket to benefit Maitri.

• 1st Prize: 2 Nights at any Kimpton Hotel along with a certificate for dinner and Round Trip Airfare for 2. Retail value of package: $1250
• 2nd Prize: $1000 Shopping Spree at Westfield San Francisco Centre
• 3rd Prize: One year Gold's Gym Membership + 4 personal training sessions (redeemable at either San Francisco, Oakland or Corte Madera Gold's Gym location) value of package: $895

Winners to be announced at the 32nd Annual Academy of Friends Gala on February 26, 2012 and need not be present to win. Restrictions may apply and prizes are subject to availability. Winners are responsible for applicable taxes, fees and/or gratuities. Raffle Tickets are not considered tax-deductible.

Proceeds from raffle ticket sold by Maitri benefit Maitri directly. Contact Grant at gsun@maitrisf.org to purchase tickets or for more information. You can also purchase tickets in single or special rates for multiple quantities using PayPal below.

Buy Ticket $10 | Buy 3 for $25 | Buy 15 for $100

QUICK LINKS: Items of Special Interest that can be found at www.maitrisf.org