From the heart

by Dave Quick 
Special to The Gayly 

In 1991 when I returned to Wichita after living for twenty-five years in Philadelphia, I did not know that Dr. Donna Sweet had already made a name for herself as the remarkable and compassionate "AIDS Doctor" for the entire state of Kansas. Friends suggested that Dr. Sweet – “Donna” - was a tremendous physician connected with The University of Kansas School of Medicine (KUSM) in Wichita.  

I knew nothing about this Dr. Sweet, but I called her explaining my situation - I had a major heart ailment and needed to find a good doctor. She immediately set an appointment and I have seen her regularly for the last two dozen years. 

Donna joined the KUSM-Wichita in 1982 as an internal medicine physician with an interest in infectious diseases. Before that, she had already begun researching the fear-provoking new epidemic that was devastating gay communities throughout the country by killing up to 50,000 primarily gay and bisexual men a year. Donna was quickly deemed an expert and asked to lecture about the disease and treatment around the country.  

Donna has presented hundreds of lectures to groups ranging from schoolchildren to medical professionals and educators. She frequently visits Mexico and has visited Russia over a dozen times, sharing her knowledge about HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. She currently oversees the care of approximately 1,200 people living with HIV/AIDS in Kansas. Her form of care continues far beyond the doctor's office.  

In 2000, I made a short film with Donna about children living with HIV/AIDS. She was caring for two young girls under the age of nine. She regularly visited one of the girls in western Kansas. With HIV/AIDS diagnoses up over 130 percent among young gay and bisexual men since 2000, outreach to young people is more important than ever.  

When I asked during the film what she tells students about sex and HIV/AIDS, Donna responded: "Behave responsibly and you won't get it. Don't do needles, and don't do drugs. If and when you decide to have sex, do it appropriately, which is with a condom." She always speaks directly and pulls no punches, and she still makes regular visits to western Kansas and to the Salina and Pittsburg regions of the state. 

Donna has held an annual picnic and auction at her home for over twenty years. It always draws an enthusiastic crowd and raises funds for The Sweet Emergency Fund. The fund helps provide critical care and medication for those unable to pay for treatment. An expert cook, Donna loves sharing good food with others. The highest auction result each year is a for full dinner party lovingly prepared by the doctor herself. 

Donna's patients will tell you that her compassion is always accompanied by a big, warm, reassuring hug. Others also appreciate Donna's warmth and concern. Renee Duxler, Director of Positive Directions, Inc. in Wichita, recalls working closely with Donna several years ago. Renee says that experiencing Donna's energetic dedication and compassion on a daily basis influenced her own life in many ways. 

Now leading Positive Directions' many diverse services and activities, including the magnificent annual Wichita ArtAid Art Auction and Gala, Renee attributes much of her own personal zeal and commitment to the HIV/AIDS community to the influence of her highly-respected mentor. 

Sheryl Kelly, KUSM-Wichita Administrative Coordinator, has worked daily with Donna for twenty-eight years and has seen the worst of times. Early on, she and Donna were attending an average of one patient's funeral a week. From the beginning, Donna's team has acted as a research clinic, in part to gain immediate access to the newest treatments being developed.  

Sheryl says that Donna's biggest impact has always been her total dedication to her patients, and, with fewer doctors going into the HIV/AIDS field, her constant focus on educating new doctors about HIV/AIDS.  

Donna Sweet has often been recognized for her achievements and has received many awards. The American Medical Association and other organizations have noted her tenacious advocacy for those living with HIV/AIDS. She was presented a prestigious Award for Outstanding Service by the American College of Physicians in April. 

In September, Donna was honored as the Grand Marshall of the 2015 Wichita Pride Parade and Festival. At that time, she was quoted in The Wichita Eagle as saying: “We have to advocate for all people. A large portion of the young gay community are service workers who don't have insurance. They don't make much, they can't afford to buy insurance. I believe health care is a right and not a privilege and unfortunately, it is treated like a privilege." Donna's team has never turned away any individual living with HIV/AIDS. 

Dr. Donna Sweet also receives continual admiration and grateful thanks from hundreds of the people she has lovingly cared for over the years. Count me as one of them.

The Gayly - 12/9/2015 @ 3:37 p.m. CST