world aids day

Still on my break -- but just popping in to show you this photo gallery from BBC News, depicting the HIV/AIDS problem that currently exists here in Trinidad.

Of all fatal diseases, HIV/AIDS breaks my heart the most. When we lived in Houston, I was on the board of AIDS Foundation Houston, an organization which helps people living with HIV/AIDS, and what I learned about the stigma associated with the disease is astonishing. I continue to serve on their Advisory Council, because I so believe in the work they do.

It's gotten out of hand, particularly in Trinidad, and countries all throughout the Caribbean and Africa (not to mention the rest of the world). We must find a cure. We must.

(Thanks for the link, Gallimaufry!)

UPDATE: Actually, I just had a thought -- since it is World AIDS Day, why don't I do this: for each comment left here on this post, I'll give a donation of one US dollar to the Cyril Ross Nursery for children affected by HIV/AIDS, shown in the BBC feature above. You need to leave your name ("Anonymous" will do, if you'd prefer) and your location (city -- or region -- and country), just because I like to see where everyone's from. I'll keep comments open until midnight Sunday night. Remember: name, city & country.

Come on people, make me poor. Ready? GO!

Comments

[Martha]

NYC, USA

[Jenny]

Minnestoa, USA

[Maves R.]

Central Florida, USA

[Roshaundra]

Here's to making you poor and giving to find a cure. LOL........YOU ROCK!

HOUSTON, TEXAS

[elsimom]

Minnesota, USA

[Rebecca]

Richmond, VA, US

Thank you for doing this!!!

[Tonya]

Zapata Ranch, Colorado!

[karen t]

You are lovely through and through!!!

U.K

[beachbumjen]

Bayville, LI, NY. Thank you Karen. You are fabulous!

[Jen]

Northern Virginia, VA

This is a great thing!

[tanilan]

Texas U.S.A

You are a blessing!

[T. Budnik]

If you insist. This is very generous of you.

I'm writing from Atlanta, Georgia, but I claim Alaska as home.

-T.

P.S. Found your blog via the NaBloPoMo Randomizer.

[Mayumi]

Bowie, MD

P.S. I love the positive energy that radiates from your words and photos!

[Mel]

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Lovely, lovely thought.

[Diane]

Thanks, I love reading your blog it often makes me smile and always makes me think.

Diane
Victoria, Canada

[titilayo]

Karen, you're absolutely fantastic. I'm in Barbados, West Indies, as you know, and this is a wonderful initiative on your part. Looking forward to seeing the totals!

[redzils]

Like the other transplanted Alaskan, I claim Alaska as home, but am writing today from south-western Virginia.

Thank you for your generosity to people who need it.

[Nancy]

HOUSTON, TEXAS

Great idea girl, way to go!

[Josephine]

You are an angel. I'm sure of it. You spread kindness like butter on toast. Thank you.

With Love ~ Jos from Charleston, SC, USA

[Celine Arthur-Wong]

Karen, I have been reading your blog since that mini Tsunami at Maracas Bay. When I googled Tsunami, your blog came up and I've been reading it ever since. I live in Toronto Canada but I was born in Trinidad. Pay up your dollar!
Thanks,
Celine

[leelee]

Missoula, Montana

great idea! (long-time lurker...)

[Lara]

Wonderful idea!

I'm in Washington, DC

[Chad in Denver, CO]

Hi, First time commenter on your blog, and I couldn't think of a better time to be doing so. I think its very honorable to donate your time and finances to children in need. Thus, I'm more than willing to help you help out. :-D

Also, I have been reading you for some time now, and always look forward to the various perspectives you bring to the written word. From your family, to your travels, you are a very enligtening and funny person.

Best wishes.
Chad

[Gail]

I'm in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thanks for opening your heart and wallet to those in need today - and everyday all around the world. Blessings to you, Gail

PS. Your daughter is beautiful. Thanks for sharing her with all of us.

[Crystal]

I live in Commerce Township, Michigan!

Very awesome of you to do this, your a wonderful person!