Connie Statz was diagnosed with AIDS in 1993 after unknowingly contracting HIV from a blood transfusion in 1981. When diagnosed, she was told she may only have weeks or months to live. In 1994, she volunteered for experimental drug trials which helped her regain strength. Determined to educate others and fight stigma, Connie started an annual AIDS education camp in Minnesota called Camp Benedict. Now in its 20th year, the camp provides support for those infected and affected by AIDS through fundraising events like a bike ride and dinner. Connie is a 33 year AIDS survivor who continues her advocacy work through Camp Benedict.

1. It was March of 1993. Connie Statz, mother of two boys, wife to Jim Statz, and all around go-getter
when it came to her job as a travel agent, was exhausted. For the young mom, this was unusual as she
was known for her nonstop energy. Connie had been losing weight for months but she was also trying
to lose weight, so no red flag there.
On this particular March afternoon, after Connie had fallen asleep in her car in the local Walmart
parking lot, she knew she had better see a doctor. When after an array of tests, Connie was called back
into the doctor’s office and given the news. “You have AIDS.”
Connie’s first thought after diagnosis, “That, was impossible”.
Later it would be determined that Connie contacted AIDS through a blood transfusion during an
emergency hysterectomy in 1981. Blood testing for the AIDS virus for those who donated blood was not
required until 1985 (*you can learn more about this in the incredible book and movie, And The Band
Played On). AIDS can stay dormant in the body for many years, in Connie’s case, she had the HIV virus
for twelve years undetected. Her husband and children were tested and all were and are AIDS free.
In the early nineties, Connie recalls, AIDS in central Minnesota was still something widely unknown
about. Friends and family members started to avoid Connie. At her church she was asked to sit in the
back row. Probably the most painful moment was when a friend of her son called and said he was no
longer allowed to come over to her home or see her son because she had AIDS.
Connie was given a bleak diagnosis. She was advised to start planning to die and was told that she may
only have weeks, possibly months to live. As Connie continued to lose weight, she went about planning
her funeral, right down to who would speak and what songs would be played.
In 1994 two test drugs came up for experimental testing for those infected with the AIDS virus. Connie,
had nothing to lose so she went into the lottery to see if she could be put on one of the drugs. She was
chosen to be a part of a test group on one of the drugs. Those who were on the same drug as Connie,
started to become healthier. Those who were on the other drug that was being tested at the same
time, continued to waste away.
It was when Connie started to regain some on her strength that she knew that she had to educate
others about AIDS. The stigma attached to it was extreme. Her first talk was at a local school. As time
went on she started speaking to other area groups including churches, and eventually she spoke at
conventions in Minnesota as well as other states. The “go-getter” that Connie was once known for, had
returned.
In 1994, Connie started a week long camp experience in Cross Lake for those infected and affected by
AIDS. The camp was to be a way that people in Minnesota that had AIDS and their family could receive
support and education. The camp is called Camp Benedict, named for the Benedict nuns who were the
first group to support the camp back when it started. Through fundraising, Connie has always provided
this as a free camp, never wanting it to be a financial burden on those who attend.
2014 will be the 20th
year of Camp Benedict. Connie now has an active board of directors who help her
plan out not only the week of camp and speakers, but also the two big fundraisers that are done yearly.
On April 27th
of 2014, there will be a silent auction and dinner at Craguns that benefits the camp. On
August 2nd
and 3rd
of 2014, the annual Camp Benedict 150 mile bike ride will take place. The two day

2. bike ride is open to anyone who would like to come and participate. The ride starts in Brainerd, and the
riders ride 75 miles to the camp and stay overnight, and then back to Brainerd on the 2nd
day. All funds
raised from the dinner at Craguns and the bike ride sponsor the camp. Camp this year will be June 9th
–
12th
. For more information you can see the website at https://www.campbenedict.org/ or call Sheila at
838-0886.
Connie is now a 33 year AIDS survivor. She is still married to Jim and her younger son Nick is greatly
involved in the bike ride organization and the camp itself. AIDS changed Connie’s life forever from that
first time she heard those words, but Connie still gets up and thanks God every morning for being given
one more day. Not every day is a good day, she says, but every day has an opportunity to do something
good to help others.