Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE—July 22, 2008

Book by best-selling author David Elliot Cohen recognizes the American Foundation for Children with AIDS as a salutary organization

 

Harrisburg, PA (July 22, 2008) – The American Foundation for Children with AIDS has been included in best-selling author David Elliot Cohen’s new book, What Matters, as a noteworthy organization in the struggle against AIDS. Using alluring photographs and stimulating essays, the book has brought a spotlight on the continuous battle against AIDS in Africa. Sterling Publishing, a division of Barnes & Noble, will publish the book on September 2, 2008.

“The purpose of the What Matters project is to provoke discussion of essential global issues in various media, to inspire social action, and to provide readers with resources they can utilize to help create social change,” said Rose Whitmore, editorial assistant of What Matters.

The book and website contain a “What You Can Do” section in order to inspire the readers to become involved. Within the topic of the AIDS epidemic, the American Foundation for Children with AIDS has been acknowledged as a leading organization to stop the spread of AIDS and HIV in Africa. The public can view the complete contents of the book online at http://www.whatmattersonline.com.

“The idea, of course, is to get these very visceral photographs and poignant essays in front of as many people as possible and then translate the resulting interest into donations and actions through organizations,” stated Rose Whitmore.

The American Foundation for Children with AIDS continues to grow with notoriety from publications such as What Matters. A contribution of $30 provides a full month's worth of life-saving medication to an HIV positive child. With $7,000, AFCA can provide a 40-foot container of much-needed food, hygiene kits, milk, and medical supplies to partner hospitals.

To learn more about AFCA, become involved or make a contribution, please visit http://www.helpchildrenwithaids.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

PRESS RELEASE—July 14, 2008

Outdoor athletes to raise money for kids with AIDS in Africa September 20 and 21, 2008 

CHARLOTTE, NC (July 14, 2008) Charlotte resident Donovan Craig, an elite rock climber originally from South Africa, will participate September 20 and 21 in the Climb up So Kids Can Grow Up fundraiser. Held by American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) and the American Alpine Institute, the “climb-a-thon” will raise much needed funds to send life-saving anti-retroviral (ARV) medication to children affected by HIV/AIDS. Craig and his fellow climbing teammates are climbing to achieve their goal of raising more than $5000.

“Without the necessary medicine provided by AFCA, half of the children in Sub-Saharan Africa affected by AIDS will not live to see their second birthday,” said Tanya Weaver, Executive Director, AFCA. “This fundraiser is an easy way for people to show their support, and help change the course of so many lives. The goal of AFCA is simply to get people across the nation and world moving for the children of Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe.”

Climbers, walkers, runners, and riders will collect pledges for each completed challenge. Climbs can be as simple as stair walking or wall climbing, or for more experienced climbers, boulder, ice or mountain climbing. Craig’s team, the Kanyekanye Climbers, are collecting pledges via their online donation page:  www.firstgiving.com/kanyekanyeclimbers.

 “Children should have the chance to dream of what they want to be when they grow up, attend school, and play with friends,” said Weaver. “I encourage climbing and outdoor enthusiasts alike to “climb up” so that kids may grow up.”

American Foundation for Children with AIDS is an independent international humanitarian aid organization established in 2004. AFCA is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization incorporated in the state of Florida, USA. The mission of AFCA is to improve the lives of children and youth struggling with the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We provide cost-effective relief, services, medical and social support, education and advocacy to help these individuals achieve their full life potential.

AFCA believes that true success is achieved through collaboration with qualified local professionals. We partner with the following agencies to deliver quality, donated anti retroviral medications, food and supplies to HIV positive children and their caretakers in Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda; Mombasa Community Health Program in Mombasa, Kenya; Voi Children’s Health Program in Voi, Kenya; ZOE in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Nairobi and Elementita, Kenya. For more information visit www.HelpChildrenWithAids.org.  For more information on Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up, visit www.ClimbUpSoKidsCanGrowUp.com .

PRESS RELEASE—July 6, 2008

Team of Alpinists Summit Denali, Highest Peak in North America, and Bring Awareness to African AIDS Pandemic

 

Part of Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up, a Global Fundraising Initiative to Benefit the American Foundation for Children with AIDS

Talkeetna, Alaska (July 6, 2008) – When Justin Wood of Bellingham, Washington, reached the 20,320-foot summit of Alaska’s Denali, the original and native American name for Mt. McKinley, he read a statement over a satellite phone:

“This trip parallels the fight against AIDS. We had some tough times, there were many days when we had to revise our plans, and many days when we thought it might be impossible to reach our goals despite our best efforts.  But we kept our focus, and we were committed to lasting out our troubles with the storm high on the mountain rather than trying to head down to lower altitudes.”

Justin, Jeremy Ellison (Lake Tahoe, California), Johnny Davison (Lake Wanaka, New Zealand), and Aidan Loehr (Bellingham, Washington) reached Denali’s summit on July 1, carrying the flag of the “Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up”,(www.climbupsokidscangrowup.com), a global fundraising drive benefiting the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA).The alpinists flew onto the Kahiltna Glacier in the Denali National Park on June 15th.  They gradually worked their way up glaciers on the mountain’s western flank until reaching Camp 3 at 14,000 feet where they were pinned down by heavy snows and high winds for a week.  On July 30th they made it to a high camp at 17,200 where they spent two nights before making their summit bid on July 2nd.

“We felt great joy and pride when, after a very long summit day, we moved to the top and set foot on the 20,320’ summit of North America.  We were very excited to use the moment to draw attention to the AIDS epidemic.

“We are convinced that ending the epidemic is possible. In the meantime, education of and compassion from the general public will help those who have been stricken survive and live good lives. 

“We hope to inspire people to see themselves as part of a team on a very long expedition.  We hope each will make a long-term commitment to reach our summit goal of helping these young people live fruitful lives. We hope the members of the bigger team to fight AIDS will make their the fight against AIDS an ongoing part of their lives by contributing each month, whether $10, $50 or whatever they can afford. That’s the hope and commitment we want to pass on to you.  If we can reach a goal like summiting Denali under difficult conditions in an arctic environment, we are convinced we can succeed in helping these kids live to see a tomorrow.  Let’s do it!”

Hikers, cyclists, climbers, and runners of all ages and skill levels around the globe will participate in Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up on September 20 and/or 21, 2008. For more information and to form a team, please go to www.climbupsokidscangrowup.com.

For information, please contact:

Tanya Weaver
American Foundation for Children with AIDS
(888) 683-8323
tweaver@helpchildrenwithaids.org

Dunham Gooding
American Alpine Institute
(360) 671-11515
dgooding@aai.cc

PRESS RELEASE—May 13, 2008

Executive Director of American Foundation for Children with AIDS Reports First-Hand Account of Trip to Zimbabwe, One of Few Americans to Travel to Zimbabwe Since Presidential Election

 

Launches Emergency Campaign to Raise Funds for Life-Saving Antibiotics

 

Harrisburg, PA (May 13, 2008) – American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA, www.helpchildrenwithaids.org) Executive Director Tanya Weaver is one of only a handful of Americans to travel to Zimbabwe since the presidential election at the end of March. She went there to meet with one of the humanitarian organizations still working in Zimbabwe. [Note to Editors: The name of the humanitarian organization is not included for safety reasons.] As a result of her trip, Weaver is launching an emergency fundraising campaign to raise money to buy antibiotics for HIV+ orphans whose lives are at risk without them.

“The conditions in Zimbabwe are beyond anything most Americans can imagine: food, water, and fuel are all scarce; medicine is virtually unattainable. If they can be found, even basic foodstuffs are too costly for the vast majority of Zimbabweans. These conditions make the plight of the HIV+ orphans even direr than before.

“AFCA is sending the HIV+ orphans cotrimoxazole, a common antibiotic that is highly effective in preventing the opportunistic infections that throw children into full-blown AIDS. This antibiotic can also delay a child's need for anti­retroviral medication for years,” added Weaver.

Zimbabwe receives little or no HIV/AIDS funding support from any of the major donor initiatives – approximately $4 per HIV-positive person per year. In contrast, neighboring Zambia, which has a similar rate of HIV prevalence, receives around US $187 per HIV-positive person annually from foreign donors.

“I have lived in other countries during wars and their aftermath, and nothing I have seen has been more difficult than the situation facing Zimbabweans,” said Weaver. “

She explained that the night before she was due to arrive in Zimbabwe, she sent a text message to her contacts to confirm that it was still safe to come. The response was positive but included a request.

“Usually I take gifts to the people I visit. This time, rather than gifts, they requested I bring flour, rice, sugar – basic food they couldn’t buy,” said Weaver. “When I got there, I went to the stores and bought one of the last two bags of milk. There’s just no food.”

She added that the situation has worsened since her return and her fear for the children increases daily. “We must get the medicine into the hands of our partners. They literally risk their lives. I am only asking people for a few dollars.”  $35 can provide a child with lifesaving antibiotics for one year.

Ever year, AFCA provides more than US$5 million worth of anti-retroviral medication (ARVs), antibiotics, and medicine to fight opportunistic infections including cancers, to more than 1400 children and their guardians in Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda. AFCA also provides food and medical supplies.

To learn more about AFCA, become involved or make a contribution, please visit www.helpchildrenwithaids.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

PRESS RELEASE—May 8, 2008

Climbers to Attempt to Summit Highest Peaks in 50 States En Masse To Raise Funds for Children With AIDS

Summer Summit Challenge to Be Held June 27 to July 6 to Benefit American Foundation for Children with AIDS

Harrisburg, PA (May 8, 2008) – From Alaska’s majestic Denali, commanding the landscape at 20,030 feet, to Florida’s 335-foot Britton Hill, climbers, hikers and walkers will set out to conquer the 50 highest peaks in the United States en masse this summer to raise awareness and funds for pediatric AIDS in this year’s Summer Summit Challenge. 

Hosted by the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) as part of its Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up program, the Summer Summit Challenge will kick off this year’s fundraiser and will be held from June 27 to July 6, 2008.  Monies raised will be used to purchase medicine and supplies for children living with AIDS in Africa.

“This event allows people to take action no matter where they live, and turn their passion for the outdoors into tangible help for kids that need hope, help and attention,” says Tanya Weaver, executive director of AFCA. “Hikers, climbers and the outdoor industry have seen the positive impact they can make in the lives of children living with AIDS by getting out and taking on this great challenge.”

In 2007, a Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up global event saw hikers, climbers, bikers and staircase-climbers reach the tops of peaks of their own choosing and raise over $15,500 for AFCA and its work with children with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

To participate in the fundraiser, individuals raise a minimum of $115 and teams raise $5,000; AFCA provides many tips and pointers on fundraising for the Challenge.  Individuals and teams raising the most money will win prizes and gifts from the outdoor industry with all proceeds benefiting AFCA.

To register, interested individuals should visit www.ClimbUpSoKidsCanGrowUp.com.  

PRESS RELEASE—April 7, 2008

American Foundation for Children with AIDS Responds to Requests for AIDS help in Distressed Zimbabwe

 

Harrisburg, PA (April 7, 2008) – As the world awaits every piece of news surrounding the elections in Zimbabwe, the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA, www.helpchildrenwithaids.org) continues its plans to expand its work into the stricken country.

In response to numerous requests for assistance, AFCA’s Executive Director Tanya Weaver will arrive in Harare on April 14^th for a series of meetings with humanitarian groups across the country.

“Zimbabwe receives little or no HIV/AIDS funding support from any of the major donor initiatives – approximately $4 per HIV-positive person per year. In contrast, neighboring Zambia, which has a similar rate of HIV prevalence, receives around US $187 per HIV-positive person annually from foreign donors,” stated Weaver. “Despite the instability and challenges, AFCA decided we could not turn down these requests.”

Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of childhood mortality from AIDS: one child dies every 15 minutes from HIV/AIDS; infant mortality has doubled since 1990; 1.3 million children are orphans as a result of losing their parents to HIV/AIDS.

AFCA responded to an emergency request from Zimbabwe in December, as the need for anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) was so dire it was deemed that it would put too many children’s lives at risk to wait for a site visit, as is AFCA’s approach. This trip will formalize the relationship between AFCA and the organizations in Zimbabwe, becoming the third country where AFCA works, joining Kenya and Uganda.

The hardships that Weaver will face in Zimbabwe – taking her own food and water purifying tablets due to shortages of food and safe/bottled water, traveling overland as plane fuel is unavailable – have only strengthened her resolve.

 “Despite the threats and government legislation against Non-Governmental Organizations in Zimbabwe, there are still organizations that are persevering in their efforts to save Zimbabwe’s AIDS-afflicted population. We are hopeful that as the political situation settles, it will become easier to provide the life-saving anti-retroviral medication the children of Zimbabwe need,” said Weaver.

Last year, AFCA provided more than US$4 million worth of anti-retroviral medication (ARVs), antibiotics, and medicine to fight opportunistic infections including cancers, to more than 1400 children and their guardians.

To learn more about AFCA, become involved or make a contribution, please visit www.helpchildrenwithaids.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

For more information, please contact:

Kit Goldfarb
KG Communications for American Foundation for Children with AIDS
(703) 465-7990
(703) 405-1670 (mobile)
kit@kgcom.com

 

PRESS RELEASE—March 27, 2008

American Foundation for Children with AIDS Announces Global “Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up” Fundraiser

 

Hikers, Cyclists, Climbers and Runners will “Climb” September 20 and 21, 2008, to Raise Funds for AIDS Medications and Supplies

 

Harrisburgh, PA (March 27, 2008) – The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) and the American Alpine Institute are teaming up again to host Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up. The global climb-a-thon will increase awareness of the pediatric AIDS pandemic and raise funds for life-saving anti-retroviral (ARV) medication, food, and medical and humanitarian supplies to children affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Hikers, cyclists, climbers, and runners of all ages and skill levels around the globe will participate in Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up on September 20 and/or 21, 2008. Participants can climb, hike, run or cycle up the structure of their choice, anywhere in the world.

The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) is a not-for-profit foundation providing medical supplies and aid to children in countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS including Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The sub-Saharan region of Africa is the worst affected by the pediatric AIDS pandemic with more than two million children under the age of 15 living with HIV.

Last year’s climb-a-thon was AFCA’s first and raised over $15,000. “Our goal is to at least double that this year,” said Tanya Weaver, AFCA’s Executive Director. “This year the need is even greater because of the crisis in Kenya, which has made it even more difficult to get medicine and supplies to the children.

“Everyone can ensure that hundreds of children live longer, healthier lives simply by organizing a team wherever you are and climbing up, whether by cycling, running, hiking, or climbing. The important thing is to get the nation and the world moving to help these children.” Weaver noted that all contributions are tax-deductible.

Many leading outdoor and other companies support Climb Up So Kids Can Grow including National Geographic Adventure Magazine, Women’s Adventure Magazine, Skyline Marketing, The River Inn, Chubasco, MadRock, Black Diamond, Petzl, LARABAR, CerconeBrownCurtis and KG Communications.

For more information on registering, forming a team or sponsorship, please go to  www.ClimbUpSoKidsCanGrowUp.com.

PRESS RELEASE—February 14, 2008

American Foundation for Children with AIDS Increases Aid in Response to Kenyan Crisis

The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA), a not-for-profit foundation providing medical supplies and aid to children in countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, is increasing its efforts in Kenya in response to the growing need resulting from the current unrest.

Harrisburg, PA (PRWEB) February 14, 2008 -- The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA), a not-for-profit foundation providing medical supplies and aid to children in countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, is increasing its efforts in Kenya in response to the growing need resulting from the current unrest.

AFCA is sending additional supplies to children and adults, including those who are currently staying in camps for displaced people. It is estimated that over 300,000 children and adults have been displaced as a result of their homes being burned. They are forced to sleep in churches, parks and on the streets. Children with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk because they may not have access to their medication.

"We receive daily reports from our partners in Kenya and are deeply concerned about the increased risk facing the children with HIV/AIDS whom we serve," said AFCA Executive Director Tanya Weaver. AFCA is working with the Archdiocese of Mombasa Community Based Heath Care and AIDS Relief Program, which serves over 500,000 people in seven parishes of Mombasa.

A contribution of $30 provides a full month's worth of life-saving medication to an HIV positive child. With $5,000, AFCA can provide a 40-foot container of much-needed food, hygiene kits, milk, and other supplies to partner hospitals.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to AFCA and sent to 6221 Blue Grass Avenue, Harrisburg, PA, 17112, or online at http://www.helpchildrenwithaids.org/donate.htm/.