A DARE TO REMEMBER: GIVE TWICE
I met Edward Malone III in California in the 90’s. He was a handsome, furtive brow, pencil-thin, cowboy with mischievous eyes that pierced the darkest night. Charismatic, bold, intelligent, kind, and yet aloof. I stayed with Ed for a few months in the warmth of the winter sun during a major life transition. When I left to come home he was filled with the vibrancy of life. Upon returning a few months later, his home was empty, with exception of a bed, TV, and an icebox in his sink. His face was shallow, his limbs weak. He was depressed, uncommunicative, and angry. There was no life in him. Extremely confused about this drastic turnabout I questioned him about what was going on. I was met with a wall of silence.
Ed was moving to Hollywood to be with his best friend. One day when I went to visit, he was gone. Disappeared. No word, no note, no goodbye. Despite the fact that I knew he was in good hands, I felt alarmed and devastated. What happened to this beautiful man that changed the tide in such a drastic way? Edward Malone was dying of aids. I did not realize this until months later. I felt sorrow for not having seen him before he died. I remember when he shared that he was HIV positive. He was extremely angry that people were not taking things seriously, thinking that nothing could ever happen to them.
Yesterday was World’s AIDS day. In last week’s column I requested you to revisit for the unveiling of something huge. I am trying to make a difference and I think we can accomplish much more working together than working alone. I am daring you to make a difference.
The Stephen Lewis Foundation has launched a new campaign: ”A Dare to Remember.”
I was dared by an Ultimate Power of Being to write this column and to ask for your help.
In North America AIDS is a different beast than the one that is destroying the African continent. Here, yes persons are still discriminated against and suffer outrageous consequences, nonetheless there are support systems and manageability of the disease. In Africa, it’s a ravaging death sentence. Children are dying of AIDS as we speak. Their mothers have died. They have no medication. They are impoverished financially, environmentally. Without education, the mistakes are relived. Grandmothers have taken on the task of raising large families after having dedicated a life-time of work raising their own children, only to watch them die.
- It doesn’t have to be this way. Thus the founding of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. We have one such chapter here in Hudson.
Statistics today show there are over 2 million new cases of HIV infections – over 7000 cases a day. There are 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide. Young people aged 15-24 account for 45% of all new HIV infections. 22 million live in sub-Saharan Africa where AIDS is the leading cause of death. Only one in three HIV-positive pregnant women (33%) receives treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus to their child.
We must let go of judgment and reach beyond our present thinking. I’ve always believed: ‘Save Africa, and you’ll save the world.’ This newspaper has over 60,000 readers. Just think what we could achieve if everyone contributed something, anything!
I dare you to contribute for yourself, and one other person. No amount is too small, nor is it too large!
Go to : Stephen Lewis Foundation and make a donation. Twice – one for you, and one for someone else. It’s that simple.
I dare you to e-mail this story to as many friends, family, acquaintances and strangers that you can think of. I dare you to ask your local churches and politicians to dig deep! Twice! Do not let yourself be swayed by fear or poverty consciousness. This is what the Spirit of giving is all about. LOVE. When you wake up Christmas morning you will know you have improved a child’s life.
Our goal? $5000 from now till Christmas day- December 25th. There are skeptics that think we can’t raise the money. I believe in miracles. Please give generously. Together let us invest in the lives of grandmothers and children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” (Gandhi)
A dare to remember: The Gift of LOVE. Twice.
To: One small village
from: One small village
Love, Thy Neighbour
Peace,
Vivianne |