March, 2014
Message from the CEO
When you pass the site of the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center you'll undoubtedly see our beautiful new sign. As I look at it, I think of our mission: to eradicate the HIV stigma by documenting the history of HIV/AIDS, educating people about the disease, remembering those who have suffered from it, enlightening the world to this continuing tragedy and empowering the survivors. The first major implementation of the mission will occur with our opening late this spring. It will be a limited opening and will include two dramatic installations:
1. The Chronology of AIDS, which tells the story of HIV throughout the world in a timeline format of pictures, words and guided narrative. The following video provides a brief visual of the Chronology:
Click Here to See Video
2. The Virtual Tapestry, which captures stories of those infected and affected by the disease on video and portrays the human experience with HIV in all its diversity.
Phase ll is scheduled for late fall and will include a more comprehensive museum experience as well as a grand opening event. We are deeply grateful to the Board of Directors and to our many donors for making the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center possible. YOU have provided us with encouragement and support. While we are close to the realization of our plans we ask for continued support from all who believe in and value of what we are doing. You can donate by pressing the "Donate" button in this newsletter and following the easy steps. Even simpler, you may call me at (412)523-5245 or write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and one of our volunteers will quickly follow up.
Finally, we will be sending each of you this newsletter on a monthly basis as we move forward. Thanks again for your wonderful support!
Sincerely,
Hugh G Beswick,
CEO of World AIDS Museum and Educational Center
STUDIES SHOW BIG ADVANCE IN HIV PREVENTION
Exciting new research suggests that a single shot administered every one to three months may someday give an alternative to the daily pills people take now to cut their risk of getting HIV. The drug has been tested for prevention in monkeys, and it completely protected them from infection in two studies. "This is the most exciting innovation in the field of HIV prevention," said Dr. Robert Grant, an AIDS expert at the University of California, San Francisco. Grant said the long-acting drug is "extremely safe, well tolerated." Another trial is testing the shots in patients as a treatment, not just for prevention. Public health officials stress that, until a vaccine is developed, condoms are the best way to prevent infection with the AIDS virus.
POZITIVE ATTITUDES, the educational/support group of the World AIDS Museum, hosted a number of guest speakers over the past several months to discuss important issues relating to HIV:
March 19 - Dr. Patrick Kenny of Midland Medical, provided details about the remarkable new advancements in treating Hepatitis C (HCV). Many people with HIV are co-infected with Hepatitis C. New medications treat and/or cure up to 90% of patients.
March 12 - Peter Jackson, fitness and nutrition coach and owner of Push Fitness, presented details of a program called "PoZitively Healthy - 10 Fitness & Nutrition Tips to Achieve Your Best Health" while living with HIV.
February 12 - Sean Strub, founder of POZ magazine and producer of the play The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, gave a presentation along with a book signing of his new memoir entitled "BODY COUNTS." This event was sponsored by the Stonewall Museum with the support of the World AIDS Museum and our Pozitive Attitudes group.
POZITIVE ATTITUDES meets at the Pride Center at Equality Park every Wednesday at 7 PM. Visit : www.PozitiveAttitudes.com or www.WorldAIDSmuseum.org
CALL FOR ACTION: With the opening of the Museum we will close the opportunity to become Founding Members of the World AIDS Museum. You can be a part of this exciting endeavor by joining as a Founding Member and making a personal commitment to ensure that the Museum's mission becomes a reality. Founding Members' names will be permanently and prominently recognized at the Museum on the 'Founding Members' wall, as well as on the website. To become a Founding Member you may choose to contribute $1200 at one time or in incremental payments. Memberships may also be made in memory of someone important to you. To become a Founding Member before this opportunity ends contact Hugh Beswick at 412 523 5245 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks to our Hard Working Board of Directors
Hugh G Beswick, Chair and CEO; Steven C. Stagon, Founder and President; Thomas Sheaffer, Secretary; Andrew Wilkinson, Treasurer; Mauricio Gerson, Media and Film Director; David Friedland, Exhibits; Edward Sparan, Arts and Events; Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Education; Dr. Elie Schochet, Medicine; John Ramos, Honorary Board; Scott Noxon; Honorary Board
www.WorldAIDSMuseum.com