ThomPoz Wins along with a backstory

This handle ThomPoz has been with me since the beginning of time. When I jumped onto the early Internet bandwagon back in 1994 with AOL 1.5 ThomPoz is what I chose and though I would have liked my infamous name Thom Collins to be available, this handle in a way is more recognizable to the HIV/AIDS both HIV+ and HIV-.
The early days on AOL before the Internet/AOL was even close to breaking into mainstream America I will forever hold dear one of many self created HIV/AIDS support group meetings online giving me the opportunity to meet so many individuals creating long lasting contacts and friendships through this new medium called a "ONLINE Community". AOL was pivotal in working with me to help spread the word on dates and times, (sorry no pun intended) so as to get as many people from all walks of life help, education, answers, and support needed when at the time still was in many ways looked as only a gay issue.
I really feel the anonymity the Internet gives it's users really helped many people who would never seek help or ask questions otherwise. So for a period of time this "invisible shield" if you will helped break new ground in ways of an individual feeling safe and secure, however as good as this all sounds going on 10+ years later many, actually more than half have died from the disease a 1/4 lost contact with over the years due to my own battles with this disease and the few left over have been kind enough to keep sending well wishes to me every now and then.
I have been blessed in many ways, those days I speak of are one of them and will always be cherished.
God Bless,
Thom Collins