Modern medicine (and the grace of God) have kept me healthy. My CD4 count is 1014 (normal is 500). As long as I use common sense and do not practice self destructive behavior I have a good chance of living into my 90's. My older brother and my sister are both diabetics who could "cure" themselves by changing their behavior, which includes eating right, daily exercise, and a positive mental attitude.
This is not to say that the virus and my medications have not dictated some changes in my life. In my case the virus penetrated my brain and caused some cognitive problems (side effects of some of the meds contributed to this as well), which is why I am retired. However, my current medical regimen is reversing the damage done by the virus (to the amazement of my HIV/AIDS specialist) so we know why I am regaining my mental faculties.
The faithful prayers of many people have contributed to my well-being, which brings me back to Blake’s statement about prayer. I am sure Troy Perry, Mel White, and Bishop Gene Robinson will be surprised they are scoundrels. Troy Perry is the founder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (I believe there are 8 MCC’s in New Zealand and Australia). Mel White along with his partner are the founders of SoulForce, and if Blake does not know who Bishop Robinson is he is living under a rock.