Working toward a future free of stigma
Bertram grew up in the 80s, so he was always aware of AIDS. But the devastating impact of the virus really hit him when his beloved Uncle Keith succumbed to the disease after years of secrecy about his diagnosis.
Keith had a magnetic personality and worked as a successful event planner in New Orleans. Keith was openly gay and comfortable with his sexuality. What he wasn鈥檛 comfortable with was the stigma associated with being HIV positive. Keith鈥檚 fear of how others would react to his diagnosis kept him from being open about his status and prevented him from receiving the lifesaving treatment available. It isolated him from the support of his friends and family. Instead, Keith struggled alone as his condition deteriorated over the next several years. By the time his family knew of his illness, Keith was dying.
Bert feels fortunate to have been able to provide loving care for his uncle at the end of Keith鈥檚 life. The experience and loss left Bert determined to do whatever he could to prevent anyone else from losing a loved one so unnecessarily. Bert and his wife, Lisa, make that promise a reality through an annual gift to 缅北禁地. They know their financial commitment makes a difference, ensuring that individuals who receive an HIV diagnosis don鈥檛 have to face it alone and instead have access to life-changing care and support.