My good friend Amanda Hall wrote a post called "If you can't write a check write a blog! Blog for a Cause!" and it truly inspired me to do this post. I am hoping that this will help to inspire more people to get off their behinds and learn more about a disease that does not care what race or gender that you are: Aids.
Prior to me moving to Atlanta, I use to give to charities as much as I could without breaking the bank. Since coming back here, I have not been as fortunate to give as I was then. With that said, I still hold this charity near and dear. I have lost friends and family to AIDS.
AmFAR was founded in 1985 with the goal to rid the world of the deadly disease that has killed men, women, and children. This is a disease that is not specific to a gender, to a race, or even to sexual preferences. It can be contracted by anyone under the right circumstances. Where people jump to conclusions is how you can catch it and to that I say ignorance is bliss. People need to become aware of the growing epidemic that spreads through countries like South Africa, Russia, and Brazil to just name a few. AmFAR has pumped in over 260 million dollars to AIDS research and continues to make breakthroughs all the time.
Back in 1984 Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS. he was shunned by friends, teachers, and schools. No one knew about the disease back then and everyone thought he could infect their child. Stupidity and ignorance played a huge role in Ryan's life for the next 6 years until he died in 1990. During thos 6 years many television shows and magazines featured Ryan. He became the poster child of the disease that would soon take his life. Many superstars soon took interest in the Ryan White story and wanted to help spread the truth about AIDS. Ryan White died on Palm Sunday April 8, 1990, with his mother, his sister Andrea, his grandparents, his uncle and his friend Elton John at his bedside. Ryan’s funeral was among the largest in Indiana history. Elton John performed at the ceremony, which included Michael Jackson and First Lady Barbara Bush among the mourners.
Since that time, many good things have come from his passing. With that said, this disease has affected the likes of Magic Johnson, Aurthur Ash, and Freddy Mercury to just name a few of the superstars. When Reagan gave his first speech on AIDS, 25,000 had already died.
It is rumored that Elton John wrote a song called "The Last Song" in honor of Ryan White, but no one really knows for sure. I have added 2 videos here for you to listen too. And I warn you,it is tearful. If you have the ability to give, then please visit the AmFAR website today and give.
About the Author
If you are in the market to purchase a home or even refinance an existing loan and you want a loanofficer that will walk with you every step of the way, then contact Danny or Rich of the Thornton Team at Home America Mortgage today. We can have you pre-approval in as little as 4 hours. You can visit our website or send an email to thorntonteam@homeamericamortgage.com or call us @ 770-998-1964.
Danny - It is truly sad that there are still people in this world that shun those with this horrible auto immune disorder. But, by and large, people are fearful of things they don't understand. And that lack of understanding scares them enough to not want to learn more. It's a horrible circle of ignorance.
Many years ago I volunteered at a facility that took care of pediatric AIDS patients after the families had turned their backs on the little ones. It was absolutely heartbreaking. But I can tell you that when you are holding a 4 month old and rocking in a chair you certainly don't see a disease. You see a child that needs to be loved - regardless of his/her diagnosis.
This is a horrible disease that robs individuals of dignity, children of parents, and parents of children. AmFAR is a fantastic organization that works very hard to raise awareness not only of how AIDS is spread but prevention and treatment for this chronic disease. The United Nations is also very active in the fight against this indiscriminate killer. You can access their website by clicking HERE! According to the UN December, 2007 report on the AIDS epidemic:
Regardless of religious conviction, ethnic persuasion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, and age this disease effects everyone. You say you don't know anyone who is afflicted or who has died? I understand that, but when MILLIONS ARE SICK OR DEAD, you cannot say it does not affect you personally. Think about that number...MILLIONS and what it really means. How big is your town or your city? Now imagine just the number of UN reported childrens' deaths for 2007 (330,000 children under 15)! How does this translate in real numbers to your city's poplulation...how does it NOT affect you personally?
NOW FOR THE POSITIVE...YOU can make a difference...YOU have the power...YOU are entrusted with the lives of millions (too daunting)...ok...YOU are entrusted with the life of one elderly person, newborn, middle aged person, teenager...what decision will you make?You have the power and you have worn the bracelet proudly inscribed with the letters WWJD...what do they mean to you? How do you demonstrate, in actual actions, the important question inherent in WWJD?
Preach it Rich, Preach it! Danny, excellent cause. I went with blood as my official cause because I too wanted something that crosses economic, political, goegraphical, religious and racial lines...Blood is it.
I remember Ryan White and how incredibly sad it was to read his story. Fortunatley, we have made significant break throughs in treatment and understanding of the disease yet we still have so far to go.
Danny, excellent post, AIDS is a horrific epidemic and the positive to the Ryan White story is that people stopped thinking of AIDS as 'just a gay man's disease'. When you see the children in Africa who are orphaned and on their own, if you've known someone afflicted with it waste away and die, how can you turn away? The easiest thing to do is write a check. It doesn't matter the amount, anything helps. Rich, incredible information.
Thank you for this post Danny (and WOW Rich, great comment). I remember how sad that was watching Ryan. This disease is horrifying and we cannot turn our backs on the truth of it.
Danny Thornton
;)
;)
Danny - It is truly sad that there are still people in this world that shun those with this horrible auto immune disorder. But, by and large, people are fearful of things they don't understand. And that lack of understanding scares them enough to not want to learn more. It's a horrible circle of ignorance.
Many years ago I volunteered at a facility that took care of pediatric AIDS patients after the families had turned their backs on the little ones. It was absolutely heartbreaking. But I can tell you that when you are holding a 4 month old and rocking in a chair you certainly don't see a disease. You see a child that needs to be loved - regardless of his/her diagnosis.