Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019 - Friday May 23, 1997 12:02 PM EDT
Rebekka is one of several celebrity guests who will be participating in panel discussions and workshops at the POZ Life Expo. In addition to talking to people and sharing her experience, she will also be applying temporary tattoos with the POZ logo on people. "I am thrilled to be a part of this event and to have the opportunity to speak to a large number of people," Rebekka said. "While AIDS is such a frightening topic that scares people off, it is events like this that succeed in getting people involved, educated and united in fighting this horrible disease."
Rebekka went public with her disease in 1994 in a cover story for the magazine "The Advocate." Instead of resigning herself to hiding in the shadow of AIDS, Rebekka chose to dedicate herself to preventing others from making the mistakes of unsafe sex or drug use. Rebekka now tours the country, taking part in educational programs and teaching people about the reality of AIDS and how to prevent it.
Rebekka says of her life before being diagnosed as HIV-positive: "I led an exciting life as a Playmate -- traveling, meeting tons of people, parties, etc. Unfortunately, I made some bad decisions which will affect the rest of my life." She began suffering from severe fatigue and other types of malaise and eventually sought medical treatment. When the tests came back and the doctors informed her of her illness, Rebekka went into shock. Like many people who find out they have a life-threatening disease, Rebekka couldn't believe it was happening to her.
The POZ Life Expo is a two-day health fair for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. It will include panels, seminars and workshops on AIDS treatment, nutrition and exercise; the impact of an HIV diagnosis on the family; financial and legal issues; and social issues such as dating and disclosure. The message of the event is that information about healthy living, new treatments and positive attitudes can save and extend lives. While the atmosphere will be fun, the message is serious, and thousands of New Yorkers are expected to attend and pick up information that will benefit their lives.
The Expo premiered last summer at the Javits Center, and was so successful that it is currently in the midst of a six-city tour visiting major convention areas in Houston, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. It is free and open to the public. For more information on the Expo, call: Bob Pelham - tel: 212-242-2163.
SOURCE: Playboy Enterprises Contact: Alison Raleigh of Playboy, 212-261-5000, ext. 3637
Copyright (c) 1997/PR NewsWire. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019.
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