Ed Murray Images

Photojournalism: Aids

Loneliness of AIDS 

Peter was unusual in that he acquired the HIV virus through unsafe heterosexual sex. He was also unusual in that her completely denied that he had the AIDS virus for years. 

That denial enabled him to live, albeit a very lonely existence, for a short period of time. During his illness his mother, who was his only successful relationship, also became seriously ill and died. 

  • A picture of a healthy Peter McDonough with his girlfriend of three years sits in front of an earlier picture of them with his parents.
  • It was two years after being diagnosed HIV that Peter returned to the beach bar party area with AIDS buddy volunteer Arnold. The volunteer program  was created to help develop a friendship with those who are HIV/AIDS.
  • Peter lays in the doctors examining room while waiting for the doctor to show up for his check up.
  • A shot to boost his white blood cells is injected next to his tattoo of his former girlfriend after they broke up three years ago. After the rejection he became a bar fly and then was diagnosed. She is not infected.
  • His parents divorced, Peter paid his father $10 to drive him to his mothers for mothers day.
  • Hospitalized with terminal cancer Peter’s mother kisses him a final goodbye.
  • Peter says goodbye to his mother whose ashes are in the urn.
  • During his hometown’s Halloween parade a seriously ill Peter is passed by a boy dressed as death.
  • Peter designed his own 40th birthday cake. Three people showed for the day long party.
  • Peering out from behind his hospital bed sheet Peter drops into thought.
  • Volunteers sit with Peter as he nears death at the hospital.
  • Although blinded by AIDS in the final stages Peter’s eyes allowed tears. It was his first outward expression of feelings in three years.
  • Peter’s body is wrapped in a shroud by a medical assistant.
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