My name is Courtney Furuglyas and this is the beginning of what will, for me, be a life-long project. I have been involved with different HIV/AIDS related organizations since I was a child, and would like to eventually be able to either start my own or contribute largely to those that are established.
A couple months ago, I decided that I want to take a trip to Africa. I want to see where this disease started; see where it has and is still doing the most damage. I want to volunteer with different organizations; find out what is being done and what needs to be done, and most of all: let the world know what needs to be done and hopefully inspire other people to open their eyes and help.
When I decided I wanted to go, I called one of my best friends who has had a lifelong dream of starting a school in another country, because I knew she would be as passionate about trying to help as I am. The plan is to spend a few weeks in Kenya next June/July. Kenya became our starting point because a family friend of Miriam’s runs an orphanage in Nairobi populated by AIDS orphans, so we will volunteer there and likely some testing/treatment centers. I may stay and spend more time exploring some other areas after Miriam comes back home, but that will depend largely on funds, so I will keep you updated as plans evolve.
This will be an ever-evolving site, so mark it and follow it regularly. I will try to begin adding posts with information about HIV/AIDS, it’s related diseases and issues, it’s history, the people and places affected, and much more. Being involved with this for so long, I already have a fairly broad base of information and am constantly trying to learn more, so I will share all I have. This is a scary disease, and one that is often swept under the rug…I’d like to think that with enough knowledge, we can roll back that rug with some effort, face what is happening, and put a halt to people’s suffering.
Thanks for visiting this site! Please come back!
-Courtney
