I was only 10 when Greg Louganis won his famous Olympic gold medal after hitting his head on the diving board in 1988, but I clearly remember when watching that epic dive live. It is one of my clearest memories of that time.
During the 80’s the paranoia about AIDS & HIV was at it’s highest levels. It was through the bravery of people like Greg Louganis who helped brake down the misinformation. The story of Greg’s life with HIV, and his refusal to be stopped by it, is a story that has inspired me and millions of others.
So I was very excited to hear that Greg Louganis was going to be the keynote speaker at FoundCare’s CAP 30th Anniversary luncheon this Friday.
FoundCare’s Comprehensive AIDS Program provides and promotes education, advocacy and compassion to individuals and families infected and affected by HIV and AIDS through case management, prevention and other support services.
Tickets to the CAP 30th Luncheon are $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP, which includes a meet and greet reception with Louganis, a commemorative pin and up-close seating. Commemorative program ads, underwriting and tables sales are also available. To purchase tickets visit www.foundcare.org/events or call 561-472-9160 ext 220.
At FoundCare’s 30th anniversary luncheon four members of the community will be recognized for their long-time commitment and advocacy to CAP and HIV/AIDS in Palm Beach County.
Mr. Bob Bertish will receive the CAP Visionary Award. Mr. Bertisch was one of the original founders of CAP, was a long-time board member and trustee. He is the executive director of Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach and has assisted numerous CAP clients with legal aid services throughout the past 30 years.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located in downtown West Palm Beach, will receive the Lydia Crozier Spirit Award. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church has graciously opened its doors for 25 years to host monthly dinners for CAP clients. The church is receiving this recognition in the spirit of the late Ms. Crozier, a compassionate and spirited, long-time volunteer and donor to CAP.
Mr. Larry Osband will receive the CAP Advocacy Award. Mr. Osband is an advocate and community voice for CAP and HIV/AIDS awareness and services. He sits on various boards throughout the community including the Palm Beach County HIV Care Council. He started his advocacy in 1980 when his sister was diagnosed and could not get services because she was a heterosexual female. He was then later diagnosed in 1997 and continuously battles for rights and services for others living with the disease.
The final award recipient is Ronald J. Wiewora, MD, MPH, FACP, FACPM. Dr. Wiewora is receiving the Larry Leed Memorial Award. Dr. Wiewora, treated HIV/AIDS patients in the 1980’s and 1990’s as the director of the Palm Beach County AIDS clinic and as a private physician. He continues to advocate for public health as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. This award was named to honor the late Larry Leed, who tirelessly worked for CAP, starting as a volunteer and culminating as the Chief Operating Officer 20 years later.
The CAP luncheon is sponsored by H.G. Roosters, FPL, Skyemed Pharmacy, Infectious Disease Associates and SFGN.