World AIDS Day heightened awareness about a disease that has hit home for people around the world and in southwestern Connecticut.AIDS patient Harry Bethea, of Stamford, says he's inspired by the progress of AIDS treatment. Bethea, who was diagnosed 21 years ago, says he's proof people are living longer with HIV and AIDS. Bethea says he's grateful for medical advances and treatment over the years from Doctor Michael Parry of Stamford. He says with the help of medical research, his daily medications have been reduced from 20 to three.Since becoming infected, Bethea has made it his mission to inform young people before it?s too late. Bethea says he meets with teens to give out condoms and information, pleading with them to make better decisions than he did at their age. He tells them once they are infected with the virus, there is no going back. Bethea says he hopes to live to see a cure for AIDS.