In the late eighties, I became aware of a family member who had contracted AIDS.
This caused me to learn more about the disease and eventually motivated myself to begin this effort.
There was so much denial, secrecy and anger within a broad family circle that MY
EDUCATION was a painful and frustrating experience. I grew from this and it brought about the strong desire to assist with education, awareness and support
directed for children as they were the innocent victims.
I had the opportunity to work with children and  families who wanted their stories told to make a difference for future generations.
I shared in the journey of a then 13 year old who survived until she was able to graduate from high school as well as a baby who lived only a few years.
It was an overwhelming yet therapeutic experience for me and propelled our move forward to be part of the positive movement towards prevention and assistance.
Still, as I am writing this it evokes many sad memories but after a hiatus from involvement in this part of the mission it is TIME to carry on.
We have come a long way since then with acceptance although numbers of young people living with AIDS/HIV grows yearly and the saddest part is for the most
part it is PREVENTABLE through REALISTIC ACTIONS
we must never become complacent