RobbyGee Lucas went online, in search of a date, and discovered his calling.
The year was 1997 — 14 years into his HIV diagnosis — when he contracted AIDS. He wrote about his status on a dating profile.
His inbox on gay.com became inundated.
“How did you live so long?”
Messages originated from across the globe. Israel. Russia. Iraq.
Jacksonville, Fla. Charlotte, N.C. Augusta, Ga. Columbus, Ohio.
For more than two decades, he offered compassion, empathy and solutions to hundreds of people, many of whom he’s never met in person. These conversations helped him realize it’s not enough to address the chronic immune system disease. He had to figure out how to help people with housing and utilities; furniture and clothing; career opportunities and mental health.
Gotta make them whole.
Their life challenges, after all, are so different than his were when he was first diagnosed with HIV at age 17. Back in 1983, he was told he’d live six months, nine months at best.
While he had to come to terms with dying with HIV/AIDS, newly diagnosed folks must figure out how to live with it.
The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.
That’s why asking how they’re doing, he inquires about their health status.
“What’s your T-cell count?”
“Are you on your meds?”
“What’s your viral load?”
As a minister, he reminds them they will live. You just have to believe in God and do the right thing.
He’s lived in Akron since 2015, living with HIV (undetected). And he hosts a support group: Survivors Sharing Our Unique Life Experiences (the SSOULE group). You can reach him by dialing 211 to reach the United Way of Summit and Medina counties.
Through a contract with the Summit County Health Department, he’s paid for supporting local clients, but he accepts phone calls, texts, emails, Facebook and dating app messages (Adam4Adam, JACK’D, and others) from anyone.
Lucas, 59, hasn’t changed his phone number in years, fearing someone he’s met during this journey might need to reach him.
