December 1, 2008 marks the 20^th anniversary of celebrating World AIDS Day. On December 1^st people around the world come together to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of this pandemic. It’s a day of remembrance of those lost to AIDS.  It’s also a time to remember those people who are presently battling the disease.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2008 is "Leadership." We must call upon leaders of world countries to be responsible and active in the fight against AIDS. Each day 8000 people die of AIDS throughout the world. Each day another 14,000 people become infected with HIV. The pandemic is infecting young people at an alarming rate. This calls for immediate action in the schools, churches, and homes. Education to prevent further HIV infection is needed throughout every country in the world. No nation is immune from AIDS.

On World AIDS Day people wear red ribbons, bracelets, T shirts, or some sign to show their support in the fight against what’s been called the “greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time." We must talk about AIDS more to reduce the stigma and discrimination. 

The AIDS Memorial Quilt has been a wonderful way to heighten awareness of AIDS through the 44,000 panels that make up the display. The AIDS Quilt is the largest ongoing community artwork in the world. It’s difficult not to feel the pain and emotion when one stands by the Quilt and observes the faces and names of people of all ages on each panel. The 3x6 panels are sewn to 7 other panels to make a block.  It seems as if the AIDS Quilt speaks to those who view it and says, “Don’t just walk by. Stop and look at us. Do something to stop the spread of this disease that killed us. We can’t, but you can. Help others understand the magnitude of this pandemic. Please don’t forget us and work so that others don’t have to share our fate.”  

My mother was infected with an HIV contaminated blood transfusion in 1983. She died from and AIDS related illness at the age of 69 in 1991. She wanted her story told after her death. She suffered in silence while  battling AIDS because she feared rejection. I gave her a voice in my book, “A Burden of Silence: My Mother’s Battle with AIDS.” That was her wish. She didn't want other families to have to suffer in silence like our family had.