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.
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