Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day - a day to bring awareness to this pandemic that does not discriminate based on gender, age, color, religious sect nor sexual orientation. Almost every one of us knows someone who has been touched by this disease in some way: a friend, a sibling, a parent, a child, a cousin, a friend’s child – someone in our lives has been affected. Science has come a long way in making victims of HIV/AIDS more comfortable and able to live longer lives. There has even been recent talk of some success with an experimental AIDS vaccine , but to make this a reality, we need more funding. In years past, people died from diseases that are readily prevented or cured in today’s world; we simply had to develop the proper medicines and vaccines. There is now well-founded hope that we can find a prevention or cure for HIV/AIDS.
This time of year seems to be the time that we may feel overrun with requests for help from charities. With most of us having access to limited funds, sometimes it is hard to decide which ones are the most worthy; but what can be more worthy than saving lives? As mentioned, AIDS does not discriminate: people of every race, creed, age, and sexual orientation have been claimed by this devastating disease. The elderly and the newborn are as easily a target as an otherwise healthy teenager.
Until There’s a Cure Foundation is committed to AIDS awareness and prevention education, providing care and services for those living with AIDS and also to help finance vaccine development. For those of us who like to purchase cookbooks, sweatpants, sweatshirts and other products to use as well as to promote the cause, visiting their site is a must. Proceeds from the sales will help benefit Until There’s a Cure Foundation and its endeavors. On this site, there are beautiful bracelets for every budget, from the somewhat costly to the very inexpensive.
While World AIDS Day certainly is not a strictly Pagan event, we can honor those who have crossed and those who are still living with this disease by taking advantage of World AIDS Day by showing your compassion and support. Give as little or as much as you can. Someone, somewhere will thank you.
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