Nick Smith has been coming to the Bailey-Boushay House outpatient program for the last decade. Here he reflects on his past brushes with death, drug use and coming out to his parents about his homosexuality and HIV status.

Nick continues to successfully manage his medications with the help of Bailey-Boushay House. He has recently become a leader in Bailey’s peer advocacy program which welcomes and supports new clients into the outpatient program.

A long-time outpatient client, JR, speaks to two BBH social workers about his Native American heritage and the disconnection he felt when he returned to his former home of Alaska. He has since formed his own support network in Seattle with the help of BBH.

JR continues to be an integral part of the BBH outpatient program. His button blanket was a part of the BBH Client and Resident Art Show and is currently on display in the lobby.

Farrel, an outpatient client, has been living with AIDS since 1992. He shares with his social worker, Cherry, his first awareness of his sexuality and how he has coped with the deaths of so many friends over the years.

Farrel manages his health with the help of his doctor and Bailey-Boushay House and continues to look for ways to “bless people.”

Elly remembers her daughter, Diane Johnson, who had ALS and became a fierce advocate and driving force for education of her disease. Diane spent her final days at BBH in what she considered the commune that she had always hoped she would be a part of.

Elly continues to support patients and families at BBH and is active in the Seattle ALS community.

Ron, a participant in the Bailey-Boushay outpatient program, recalls his Midwestern upbringing and what it felt like to be found by a daughter he gave up in his teens.

Ron’s kind, gentle spirit and his success with HIV management and sobriety make him an inspiration to many.

Gary, a proud teacher and uncle, spent the last months of his battle with ALS at Bailey-Boushay House. Here he shares his story and his passions with his niece and nephews just weeks before his death.

Gary’s legacy lives on in his family and his wide circle of friends, colleagues and former students.

Tim, a long-time survivor of AIDS and a resident at Bailey-Boushay House, shares with his friend Barbara his story of moving from an abusive childhood to finding acceptance and love when Barbara and her late husband Bill embraced him as part of their family.

Today Tim thrives and is beginning to make plans for a return to independent living.