Michael Sean McAllister, 43, one of the nation’s longest-lived HIV survivors, died Jan. 17 of AIDS-related cancer in the Hospice of the North Shore in Skokie, Ill. He was surrounded by family and friends at the end.
Michael was diagnosed more than 21 years ago with what later was renamed AIDS. At that time, Michael and his father traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to determine the cause of his symptoms, which Chicago doctors were unable to diagnose.
In the course of his illnesses, Michael became extraordinarily well versed with AIDS knowledge. In particular, Michael was known to scour any available source of information, especially the internet, for treatment breakthroughs and alternative therapies. Early in Michael’s battle, he wisely chose to center his care with Dr. Robert Murphy and the other dedicated professionals at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s renowned and compassionate HIV clinic.
An early volunteer for countless experimental therapies, Michael was an inspiration and often paternal friend for many afflicted with AIDS. Sadly, Michael survived the deaths of virtually all of his friends and lovers from his early adulthood. During the past decade, however, he overcame his fear of new relationships and plunged once more into life with gusto and class.
An honors graduate of Elmhurst College, Michael pursued a successful career in management at Amtrak. In addition, he enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as an innovative and skilled interior designer. His Lakeview condo was a model in small space decor and organization. His freelance work in Humboldt Park also won much praise and commercial success. His friends said his beauty, intelligence, acerbic wit and good company were legendary.
An ex-Seminarian, Michael returned to his Catholic faith prior to his death through the spiritual guidance and friendship of Father Bill Moriarty of Holy Name Cathedral. Father Moriarty officiated at Michael’s funeral Mass, which was celebrated at St. Symphorosa Church on the Southwest Side, where Michael had been confirmed and had served as an altar boy.
Michael is survived by his parents, Charles and Dorothy, sister Patricia, brother Thomas, brother-in-law John, nieces Megan and Melissa, nephew John, his dog Sam, and a host of friends. In keeping with the spirit of Michael’s charitable nature, donations in his remembrance may be directed to Open Hand Chicago.
The Big Chicks family is saddened to report the passing of their dear brother Donald Walters Dec. 11. His peaceful departure from this life brought an end to his hard-fought struggle with AIDS. Donald made many friends in his nine years at Big Chicks, and he will be greatly missed and remembered. “Happy trails to you, Donald,” said the staff, who will hold a remembrance memorial for Donald Tuesday, Feb. 6, in the Salon at Big Chicks, 7:30 p.m. Come share your thoughts and pictures.