Sep 1, 2008 7:20 pm US/Mountain
AIDS Quilt Brings Back Memories For Denver Woman
Written by CBS4 special projects producer Libby Smith
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Founded in 1987, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is a moving memorial to those who've lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Beyond being a memorial, the quilt is also an educational tool and the largest ongoing community arts project in the world. This year, AIDS Walk Colorado brought in 20 blocks of the quilt -- two of which are on display at Macy's Cherry Creek until Sept. 2.
One of the blocks on display contains a panel honoring Rev. Donald Wade, the father of Denver resident Judith Wade.
"It just seems like such a long time ago, and you kinda forget how much loosing him hurts until you're reminded again -- seeing the panel," Judith Wade told CBS4.
Her father contracted HIV in 1986 through a blood transfusion and died in 1990. The quilt panel was created by her entire family and serves as a reminder of this life lost.
"He was a minister so this is actually part of his stole."
It features words like "father," "minister," "friend," "caregiver," "teacher" -- an explanation of how Judith's father touched the lives of others. But the panel means more to her, in it she sees a man she loved, relied on, and lost too early.
"I miss the way he understood me. I didn't even have to talk, I mean we were almost like twins -- we had the same personality. It was someone I could confide in, who really understood me so I really miss that."
AIDS Walk Colorado is a celebration of all the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. It's also the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the state of Colorado. The 5K walk and a fun run are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 at Cheesman Park starting at 10 a.m. There will be fun and festivities in the park after the walk. For more information go to
aidswalkcolorado.org.
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