AIDS support from community after article
A RG magazine article highlighting the plight of a young woman whose mother is dying from AIDS has generated an outpouring of support from the community.
Since senior writer Miss Elizabeth Harvey's story on AIDS orphans appeared on November 30, her phone has been ringing off the hook with people inquiring about assisting children of people with AIDS.
Most of the callers expressed a particular interest in helping a 21-year-old young woman -- the RG called Sandra -- who has been working since her early teens to support her mother and seven-year-old brother.
And executive director of the AIDS support group STAR, Mrs. Carolyn Armstrong, said three people have already made a "concrete commitment'' to assist the young woman and her family.
Sandra told the RG she found out about her mother's illness at the age of 13 and she was expelled from school shortly after that. She said she hoped to finish her high school education. But the money she managed to save from working in restaurants was needed for her mother's bills.
Her heart-wrenching story highlighted the stigma that AIDS, those with the illness, and their relatives still faced in Bermuda.
AIDS support after article But based on the amount of support expressed for Sandra and others in her situation, many Bermudians have not closed their minds nor hearts to the AIDS plight.
Ms Jouland Brown of First Church of God on North Shore said when she read the article she immediately went to her pastor and asked what the church could do to help.
"He said just get the information and find out what it is we can do for her,'' she recalled.
Ms Brown said as a single mother, she was touched by the article about "Sandra'' and she particularly wanted to help her and her family.
"It really touched me. I cried when I read it,'' she said, adding that she has been walking around with a clipping of the article in her pocketbook.
"I said I've got to find out who this girl is. I'm not doing it to be pokey, I would like to be a friend to her, her mother, and brother. I want to also involve my church and show her that all Christians are not bad, because of the negative experience she had with a church.'' Ms Brown said she was willing to give Sandra her name and number so that she could feel free to call her at anytime.
"I don't have AIDS, but it is all the same,'' she said. "I would like her to know that help is being offered from a church family.
"Even if they don't want me to know who they are, I still will be willing to help them out.'' Administrative assistant at Creative Computer Services Mrs. Charmaine Richardson said she was also touched by Sandra's story.
She said the company had offered to enrol Sandra in some of its courses, at no charge, in January.
"She will be doing our membership programme,'' Mrs. Richardson said. "Then maybe in March she will be able to do our diploma programme.'' Social Services, which was not familiar with Sandra's case until the RG brought it to light, has contacted the Salvation Army to ensure that a Christmas hamper is prepared for the young woman and her family.
And some staff at Cable and Wireless have said they would be interested in raising money for "Sandra'' when they find out what she needs.
Overwhelmed by the public's response to Sandra's story, Mrs. Armstrong said: "We've had a couple of folks call to find out how they can assist her. And some want to contribute to the (STAR) Children's Fund.'' She added that she was trying to assess Sandra's exact needs.
But Mrs. Armstrong noted that there were several children in the same or worse situation as Sandra who could also use assistance.
There was always a need for underwear, rainwear, and bus passes throughout the year, and for school pants and shirts throughout the school year, she said.
Anyone interested in donating to Sandra, the Children's Fund or contributing in general can contact Mrs. Armstrong at STAR Children's Fund, P.O. Box 2498, Hamilton HMGX or by calling 292-5941.