Elias Luna’s life story is one for the movies and he’s only 43. He says he knew he was “different” or gay when he was five. He met his first boyfriend at 18. The next year his partner told Elias he was infected with HIV. A test later confirmed the same fate for Elias. The year was 1989.
Amazingly, Elias responded by grabbing life by the horns. He led a productive life working for a Fortune 500 company and then, at a young 32, enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. His love of fashion, skill and dedication shined earning him a full scholarship and his own clothing collection.
He was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times Magazine. He was profiled on TV as an up and coming fashion designer.
And then, at 35, Elias tried Crystal Meth. Hooked immediately, he would spend the better part of the next eight years watching his life slip away. Finally, after a bad breakup a friend convinced Elias to get help at the Pasadena Recovery Center.
Elias says today, half jokingly, “HIV won’t kill me but Crystal Meth almost did”.
After 32 days at PRC, Elias was renewed — even drawing for the first time in five years. He’s grateful for PRC, the staff and his fellow residents. “I was here at the right time,” he says.
Elias also had some heartfelt words for PRC Program Assistant Rhonda Silas. “She listened to me. I listened to her. She was a great person to talk to”.
So inspired by his stay at PRC was Elias, that he left a note (see below) under his pillow for the next resident to read.
Elias had one more piece of wisdom he wanted to pass on to addicts considering treatment: “If you’re scared, don’t be, because you are going to find happiness.”
