In this nation, in this decade, there is only one way to deal with an individual who is sick-with dignity, with compassion, care and confidentiality, and without discrimi­ nation. Statement made by President George Bush at the National Business Leadership Conference This book is about the care of sick human beings. It is about the heroic struggle of individuals with AIDS. It is about their daily coping in the workplace and at home; about economic problems, the loss of friendship and family support, and physical and emotional pain. But it is also about empowering them to deal with their disease, viewing them not as victims but as warriors, vital and active par­ ticipants in their battle against AIDS. This book is also about the social context in which HIV-infected persons and people with AIDS live. It is about how we must learn to deal with sickness in more compassionate and humanitarian ways and what we yet need to learn. It touches on the health care system that confronts those who are ill, on programs of prevention and education, and on the personal implications of broader national and local policies.