"To the millions of you who are grieving, who are frightened, who have suffered the ravages of AIDS firsthand: Have courage, and you will find support. To the millions who are strong, I issue the plea: Set aside prejudice and politics to make room for compassion and sound policy."
~ Mary Fisher ,"A Whisper of AIDS" (author/AIDS advocate)
World AIDS Day is December 1, 2008
A Message from
West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation Founder and President:
Joseph B. Rattner, O.D., C.S.A.C.
"Welcome to West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation's website. A visit into my dream of not only finding a cure for HIV/AIDS one day, but of helping those whose lives have been afflicted by terminal illness, hepatitis, STD's, or substance abuse. It's a road that many are traveling blindly while suffering with heartache and a weak body. There are many resources out there today that have enabled people to live longer and have a quality of life they thought they never could have. Feel free to explore the website. Let me know how I can make your life a little better for you. To those with the burden:
Hear our prayer, O God of mercy and love,
for all who suffer with AIDS.
Grant unto them tender and loving companions
who will support them in the midst of fear.
Give them hope for each day to come
that every day may be lived with courage and faith.
Bless them with an abundance of your love
that they may live with concern for others
and not be obsessed with their own illness.
Pour upon them the peace and wholeness
which you alone can give.
Amen."
Ryan White was the national poster child for HIV/AIDS. The Indiana 19-year-old, who became infected by blood treatment, was expelled from school because of his infection. The U.S. Congress passed a major piece of AIDS legislation, the Ryan White Care Act, shortly after White's death. The Act was reauthorized in 2006. Its Ryan White Programs are the largest provider of services for victims of HIV/AIDS in the Unted States.