AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
On 3rd August 1987, at the age of 31, Dave Alan Patridge received the life-altering diagnosis of “full-blown AIDS.” An openly gay man hailing from Decatur, Illinois, he had embraced the burgeoning gay culture while living in both Las Vegas and New York City's East Village.
Prior to his diagnosis, Dave had recently achieved sobriety after a few years using intravenous drugs and alcohol, which he poetically referred to as “liquid peace.” Settling back in his hometown of Decatur, Illinois, he worked as a restaurant chef and had, on several occasions, submitted his written poetry to The Herald and Review newspaper, only to be met with indifference.
However, his journey took a poignant turn when he began collaborating with health journalist Amy Ragsdale under the pseudonym ‘Jacob.’ Together, with Dave’s diary entries and Amy Ragsdale’s supplementary information on the AIDS virus, saw them forge a friendship in the process as they worked together on this significant project.
DAVE PATRIDGE: Christmas 1989
Dave aged 13
DAVID ALLAN PATRIDGE was born on 9th December 1956 in Herrin, Illinois, to Wilber “Pat” F. Patridge and Rose Marie Rambo. As the youngest of four siblings, with elder brothers LeRoy “Pat”, Michael and an older sister Jacqueline, he grew up in a household shaped by both musical aspirations and profound loss. His father, a talented jeweller and World War II veteran, tragically died aged 44, in a motorcycle accident, when Dave was just nine years old.
This loss, compounded by a tumultuous family dynamic—exemplified by his mother Rose filing for divorce just over a year before Dave was born on the 24th September 1955. His parents did eventually seperate and both remarried - his father tragically passing away on his first wedding anniversay, 28th August 1966, his new wife Shirley Ann Byom now widowed.
His fathers Musical influence lingered from his father's orchestral involvement, Dave shared his parents wished he’d gone into music upon leaving school. Dave's attempts at musical expression were met with his talents on the piano along with some self-deprecating humour, particularly regarding his Cornet skills when he shared “I made it sound like a moose that’d just been shot”. The passing of his sister Jacqueline in April 1976 when he was just 19 added another layer of grief, marking a significant chapter in a life already punctuated by both tragedy and familial expectation.
Childhood Home: South 20th, JC, IL
At the age of 15, Dave left what he described as a troubled Decatur High School, marked by chaos that included disruptive pupils, desks being thrown, and even instances of stabbings. Despite lacking formal qualifications, he managed to earn a GED in 1981, which allowed him to expand his horizons. He began travelling across the United States, initially staying with his sister, before experiencing the vibrant life of Las Vegas and the political pulse of Washington DC.
By 1980, he found himself in New York City’s East Village, immersing in its cultural scene before eventually returning to Decatur, Illinois. There, he settled into a career as a restaurant chef, where he honed his culinary skills over several years.
Dave made no secret in his diary that he had been involved with recreational IV drugs, even stating he “manufactured them”. The tragic irony of his situation is that just before he was diagnosed with ‘full-blown AIDS’, Dave had successfully completed a drug rehabilitation programme.
An AIDS diagnosis in August 1987 marked a turning point in Dave Patridge’s life, ultimately leading to the end of his career. Despite his assertion that he had “seen a lot, done a lot,” it was the profound challenge of living with AIDS that defined his final chapter. The Herald and Review's willingness to publish his journey provided a platform for his story, allowing his experiences and insights to resonate beyond his immediate circle. Through his candid reflections, Dave Patridge has left behind a legacy that, though brief, continues to enlighten and inspire those who encounter it.
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On 22nd November 1987, Dave began his journal for the Herald & Review, chronicling his life with AIDS while sharing a small cottage on Mueller Ave with his partner, Edward. Their relationship, having flourished for three years, created a cosy haven where love and support thrived, particularly evident during Christmas when the air was filled with the sweet aroma of home-baked cookies.
However, the mood shifted dramatically by chapter nine of his diary, as Edward received the devastating news of his own HIV positive status. This unfortunate turn strained their bond, eventually leading to their separation. The comforting home that had once been a sanctuary was put up for sale, leaving Dave to move into an efficiency bedsit with a ‘PO Box’ address.
CHAMPAIGN, IL: Dave’s former home
In his diary, Dave recounted his life in Champaign, Illinois, prior to acquiring the residence on E. Mueller Ave alongside Edward. Historical records indicate that he resided in a home (pictured left c.2021) located on Dale Drive, Champaign. Additionally, Dave's time in Las Vegas is documented, where he lived on N. Lamb Blvd in a separate dwelling from his brother, who was also residing in Las Vegas during that period.
Dave shared that he had also resided in the East Village of New York City and Washington DC. He spoke confidently about having "seen a lot" and "done a lot" during his formative years in Decatur, Illinois.
NORTHGATE MALL: 2024 a now deserted mall purchased by a “mystery buyer” in early 2024 [Photo - Google 2024]
NORTHGATE MALL: Dave mentioned visiting his local shopping mall, where he shopped for groceries at the Jewel Foodstore. The mall renowned for its vast square footage, Dave chuckled over sharing his encounter of the entrance of where the bathroom used to be, now replaced by a solid wall.
However, his amusement quickly turned to discomfort when he realised that the side effects of AIDS meant there was an urgency to his call of nature. Luckily for Dave, his friend drove him home in good time.
AZT
Zidovudine (ZDV), commonly referred to as azidothymidine (AZT), holds the distinction of being the first antiretroviral medication authorised for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. While it provided a breakthrough in therapeutic options, many patients encountered significant challenges, ranging from common side effects like headaches, fever, and nausea to more severe reactions such as liver complications, muscle damage, and elevated blood lactate levels.
The initial enthusiasm surrounding AZT was tempered as numerous individuals reported either insufficient improvement or intolerable side effects that led to discontinuation of the drug. Over time, medical experts recognised that a singular drug approach was inadequate for optimally managing HIV/AIDS; thus, the focus shifted towards combination therapy. Although AZT played a role in these combination regimens, it was eventually supplanted by newer, less toxic alternatives that offered a more patient-friendly treatment experience.
Independent Newspaper: The Rise and Fall of AZT, 2 May 1993
In his diary, Dave reflected on the lives of several friends who had been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, and others who had tragically succumbed to the disease. Some of these individuals had been close friends, while others were intimate companions, each leaving a significant mark on Dave's life. This exploration not only aimed to honour their memory but also to understand how their struggles intertwined with Dave’s own journey, providing a more profound insight into the emotional landscape of his diary.
HOME: The pair’s former cottage [Google 2022]
Dave's partner, referred to as the pseudonym "Edward," shared a significant portion of his life with Dave from 1985 to 1988. Diagnosed HIV+ in 1988, Edward's healthy CD4 count meant he did not qualify for AZT, the sole drug at the time deemed capable of prolonging life in those with AIDS. Despite thorough inquires into official records, it became evident that no other occupants were officially recorded as residing with Dave.
We learned from Dave that “Edward” was employed at a drug store in a town outside Decatur, though much remains unknown about him or the last years they spent together. While it is plausible that Edward succumbed to AIDS-related complications, the timeline offers a flicker of optimism; had he survived long enough to access Antiretroviral Treatments, introduced in 1996, there exists a possibility that his battle with the virus extended beyond the confines of a grim prognosis.
Search ongoing…
Dave met Kevin in Chicago in the late 1970s, an encounter that soon blossomed into a companionship. Dave shared that Kevin had established a plant care business, the 1980s was a time when the demand for tropical plants surged in both residential and commercial settings. However, our search was narrowed down to one plant care business in the classifieds which ceased to appear further from 1982. The approximate year that coincided with Dave’s diary revelation of that heart-wrenching trip he made from Decatur to Chicago upon hearing Kevin was in hospital unwell, to learn upon his arrival that Kevin had already succumbed to AIDS-related pneumonia.
Search ongoing…
From Dave’s diary, we glean that Pete resided in the East Village of New York City, a vibrant neighbourhood that had witnessed numerous cultural shifts since the 1980s. Their friendship spanned nine years, originating with Dave's arrival in NYC circa 1980. By 1989, Pete was 38 years old, suggesting Pete was born around 1951, though his origins remain obscured, with no clarity on whether he hailed from NYC, another state, or even abroad. The diary indicates that Pete had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, yet Dave refrains from elaborating on the severity or stage of Pete's condition, making our search a little more difficult.
Search ongoing…
Tracing Stanley has proven a challenge, with leads frustratingly scarce. According to Dave’s diary, he and Stanley met in the mid-1980s, coinciding with the period when Stanley reportedly passed away, complicating matters further. It’s possible their friendship was brief, or perhaps Dave has slightly mixed up the dates in his recollection. Learning that Stanley was around 50 years old at the time should have facilitated research; however, many individuals named Stanley succumbed to illnesses roughly around that same timeframe, as they entered their 50s and 60s. Knowing he was HIV positive didnt yield any reports in the press, perhaps overlooked as someone unlikely to have AIDS.
Search ongoing…
Tom Biscotto, a Theatre Stage Manager at Chicago’s prestigious Goodman Theatre, was known not only for his meticulous craftsmanship behind the scenes but also for his courageous openness regarding his AIDS diagnosis. His candid discussions about the illness resonated through several Chicago newspapers, shining a light on the challenges faced by those within the gay community. Amy Ragsdale acknowledged this significant aspect of his life in a chapter of Dave’s diary, Jacob’s Journal, underscoring the impact of Tom's journey. Following Tom’s untimely death, alongside that of actor J. Pat Miller, the performing arts community united in a powerful display of solidarity by establishing the ‘Biscotto-Miller Fund,’ a charitable initiative that continues to support artists in need, ensuring that their legacies live on.
In his diary, Dave shared that Dr. James Wade III was his physician from the moment of his AIDS diagnosis in August 1987.
Dr. Wade received his M.D. degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, in 1978. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine in 1981, Dr. Wade served as the Chief Resident in Medicine at the University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago. In 1984, he completed a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Wade established a Medical Oncology and Hematology practice in Decatur in 1984. Since then, he has developed the CCSI practice into the largest interdisciplinary oncology/ hematology practice in Illinois outside of Chicago. Dr James Wade III retired on the 1st of July 2024 - Learn more about Dr. James Wade III
Amy Ragsdale, a journalist at the Herald & Review, played a pivotal role in facilitating the publication of Dave’s diary, ‘Jacob’s Journal,’ in the Decatur newspaper of Central Illinois. Her meticulous approach not only ensured the diary reached a wider audience but also provided essential insight and commentary on the many statements Dave made about his experiences with HIV/AIDS. Through diligent fact-checking and the integration of relevant statistics, Amy ensured that readers were not only engaged with Dave’s personal narrative but were also well-informed about the virus, fostering a deeper understanding of its impact on individuals and communities.
HERALD & REVIEW: 4th September 1988
In his diary, Dave introduced us to Mary Frances, a remarkable ‘one woman ministry’ dedicated to supporting AIDS victims. He often expressed deep gratitude for the assistance she provided, not only to himself but to many others facing similar battles. The passages reveal only fleeting glimpses of their friendship, yet they resonate with sincerity and affection. In an article written under his alias ‘Jacob,’ he described a recent outing, noting how they attended a Christmas concert together. “Mary Frances is one of my major confidants,” he remarked.
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WITH THANKS / CREDIT TO:
Jacob’s Journal Written by DAVE PATRIDGE
Published in the HERALD & REVIEW Newspaper, Decatur, Illinois
Health Reporter - AMY RAGSDALE
Any third-party copyright material has been accessed through paid membership or incurred an administrative cost. Material has been used under the ‘fair use’ policy for the purpose of research, criticism and/or education, especially around the topic of HIV/AIDS. There has been no financial/commercial gain.
