This is just so sad.
Big Brother Alum Dick Donato has come forward with the news that he has been HIV positive since 2011.
After winning the eighth season of the hit CBS reality show back in 2007, Evel Dick, as he is referred to on the show, was invited back to compete as a returning player in 2011.
However, after just six days in the house, Dick walked out without ever giving any explanation as to why… until now.
Apparently, after being cast on Big Brother 13, the show’s doctors ran two blood tests on Dick: where one came back positive while one came back negative.
Unfortunately, after retesting his blood, it was revealed that Dick did, in fact, have HIV.
[ Photos: Reality TV Stars Who Are HIV Positive ]
But with all bad news comes some sort of silver lining.
Dick isn’t gay and has said that he’s never used needles, which means that he could have contracted the virus through straight sex, and is ready to be an advocate for people with HIV.
“I’m looking forward to going public with this, because maybe, just maybe, this can be the moment where I do something that really helps other people.”
Dick is currently on Vh1‘s Couples Therapy with his on-again-off-again girlfriend Stephanie Rogness-Fischer, whom is HIV negative, where tonight he will address his three-year struggle with the virus.
We wish you nothing but the best, Dick.
[Image via Dick Donato/Twitter]