ELIZABETH TAYLOR

The HIV/AIDS community has lost one of their most outspoken advocates,

Miss Elizabeth Taylor.

She was glamorous, talented, bawdy and beautiful but most of all she was a voice for all the men, women and children who could not be heard. For the past twenty years she raised money, awareness and worked tirelessly to make a difference in the HIV/AIDS communities throughout the world. Whether she was in the United States, Europe or Asia, her message was heard loud and clear, eliminate HIV/AIDS.

Miss Taylor’s journey began in Dec. 1984 when her long time friend Rock Hudson died of AIDS. It was then that she became involved with AIDS Project in LA (APLA), fundraising, educating and speaking to anyone who would listen and listen they did.

The following year she joined the Board of Directors of the National AIDS Research Foundation which then merged with the N.Y. based AIDS Research Foundation and became the American Foundation for AIDS Research, commonly known as amFAR. This organization became her passion for the rest of her days, never missing an opportunity to speak at a hearing, a fundraiser or drop in at AIDS clinic to hug a patient who yearned to be embraced by someone who was not afraid to touch them.

There is a large community of people living vital and productive lives because Miss Taylor had the courage to speak out and make a difference. We must all learn a lesson from Liz and join the fight against this insidious disease through donations and also have compassion of those who are living day to day waiting for a cure.

Goodbye Elizabeth, may you rest in peace, you certainly have earned it.

hugs, Barbara