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World AIDS Day – 2008

ynottony

“In 1984, at the age of 22, I moved to San Francisco. During this time period, I could often be found in “The Trocadero,” “The End Up,” “Buzzby’s,” “DV8,” and various other night clubs. San Francisco’s night club scene was “off the hook.” Everyone was having a good time. Yet, as the years past, I noticed that my Disco friends were slowly missing. And when I asked others about them, … the common response was …”they’re dead.” And now, at the age of 46, most of my friends are no longer here. Most have died of HIV/AIDS, or complications of the AIDS pandemic.”

So, I had the choice of either
1.) To sit and watch
2.) Do something about it

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people[citation needed], with an estimated 38.6 million people living with HIV[citation needed], making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to anti retroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 3.1 million (between 2.8 and 3.6 million) lives in 2005, of which more than half a million (570,000) were children.

The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world.

It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995 the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.” – Wikipedia

Each year, on World AIDS Day & Christmas Day, I produce & deliver care packages to the AIDS Inpatients of the San Francisco General Hospital to reassure them that they are not alone and to remind them that 2,500 Aidslifecycle cyclist, 400 Aidslifecycle crew members, and various individuals are beside them in fighting this AIDS pandemic.

If you would like to donate items for the care packages (examples: green tea, cookies, fresh fruit, juices, toiletries, playing cards, socks, wash clothes, tooth brushes, candy canes … ) then visit Trader Joe’s, “Whole Paycheck,” Walgreens, or your favorite store, pick up some things that you would enjoy receiving “if you were in the hospital” and drop the items of at Sports Basement’s Byrant Street Location. And, I’ll make sure they get to the Inpatients of the San Francisco General Hospital – Ward 5B.

Any questions – email me

FedEx or mail to:

c/o Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Tony Eason, Sports Basement, 1590 Bryant Street, San Francisco, California, 94103

And if you have the day free and would like to acknowledge those who have been personally affected by the AIDS Pandemic – check out San Francisco’s National AIDS Memorial.
The National AIDS memorial
In the late 1980s a group of San Franciscans, devastated by the personal and collective toll of AIDS, appealed to the City to found the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park as a living tribute to those touched by AIDS. In 1996, this place of remembering and healing became a national memorial. A swamp turned into sacred ground, it stands today as a unique example of civic restoration, environmental protection, and community response to grief and loss.

Check out the video

15th Annual Observance of World AIDS Day 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008 – Program starts at noon

Two members of the Stirling family of Louisville, KY will give this year’s keynote address. Three of the five Stirling family members (mother, daughter and son) are HIV positive. All five family members will be present. The AIDS Memorial Grove’s annual Donor of the Year award and Service Award (for HIV Community Service) will be presented. The commemoration will also feature musical performances and a reading of the recently inscribed names in the Circle of Friends.

Iyengar Yoga Classes with Tony Eason

Related Links:

(RED)
World Health Organization
World AIDS Day – 2008
World AIDS Campaign
World AIDS Day – 2005
World AIDS Day – 2006
World AIDS Day – 2007

Published by ynottony

SEO Consultant,, Yoga Teacher, Event Manager, Road Cyclist, Marathon Runner Tony Eason on Google+”