Today is World AIDS day - the day each year when people all around the world do all they can to end the pandemic of our time - AIDS, and the HIV infection that leads to it. Here at 1000Memories we want to do our part - helping remember those that have been a part of the AIDS fight and raising money to help prevent and treat it.

The story of World AIDS day is a story of courage and hope. The idea for the day was first conceived in August 1987 by two officials at the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization. In 1987 AIDS was still a misunderstood illness and courageous individuals like Ryan White had to battle public fear. Ryan was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 and Kokomo, Indiana’s public school system barred him from attending. Ryan fought in court for his right to attend, and won, only to be harassed by other students and the community. Unperturbed, Ryan pursued his high school education at Hamilton Heights High School. Shortly after his passing in 1990 Congress named the Ryan White Care Act in his honor - guaranteeing treatment to those suffering from AIDS. We remember Ryan’s brave battle here at 1000Memories with a Memory Page in his honor.

Today the focus is on battling AIDS as a global pandemic - both finding a cure and improving access, treatment and education. We at 1000Memories want to do our part by helping family and friends remember those who have battled AIDS. Like Ryan’s page, we want to share memories, photos and stories for all those who have fought AIDS - creating a place on the internet for them forever. We also offer a free way to collect donations - making it easy for family and friends to collect donations for free from any credit card or bank account. If you are looking for inspiration on who to donate to we have compiled a list here.

On World AIDS day we remember those who have battled AIDS - if you know someone who has battled AIDS create a memory page in their honor to celebrate their life and support donations to stop AIDS.