What
we have done for ourselves alone dies
with us; what we have done for others
and the world remains and is immortal.
~Albert
Pike
I
had the distinct
pleasure to meet AIDS activist Chris Posler, last October.
I was the Wisconsin State Coordinator for the
Campaign to END AIDS. During one of our conference
calls, I was told of the passing of Chris's
friend, (and that of many) Richard Hillaker.
I was also asked if I'd be interested in stepping
up to be the Co-Coordinator for the Northern
Tier Caravan with Chris. It was a bittersweet
decision to attempt to fill Richard's tireless
shoes. However, it gave me the opportunity to
work with Chris closer and get the chance to
know more about this most remarkable human being
and long term HIV/AIDS survivor. Chris has survived
for a quarter of a century with this disease!
Chris's passion, knowledge and dedication is
as immense as his spirit and heart. Chris helped
fuel my conviction to the Campaign as well as
to the fight that we have in front of us with
this pandemic. He reminded me how closely we
all need to work together to assure a future
without AIDS. Regardless of race, creed or sexuality,
HIV/AIDS does not discriminate and has taken
so many precious friends and loved ones from
our lives far too early. He helped affirm the
fact that we are all brothers and sisters in
this fight and should remain tenacious, bonded
and united in our mission! Like my own,
Chris's tats are a virtual roadmap of his life.
He even has boot prints on his back from the
Reagan era and getting 'stomped on.' With 25
years of survival under his belt, Chris is tireless,
fervent and committed. It's most incredible
to have met someone who remembers where we have
come in this fight and how much further we have
to go. Chris without a doubt understands and
is an advocate for past, present and future
generations. He is bold, brilliant and brings
a passionate voice to be reckoned with. I am
honored to call Chris my friend and I have nothing
but mad respect and love for this man.
AIDS
activists Bob Bowers and Chris Posler doing what we do best.
Sharing some of our feelings about the state of HIV/AIDS in the United States.
Photo taken at RFK Stadium
for The Campaign to END AIDS
In loving memory
of Richard Hillaker!
Gotta have da mugshot!
'Papa Bear' marching
to Anacostia Park in Washington D.C.
“At such moments, you realize that you and the
other are, in fact, one. It's a big realization.
Survival is the second law of life. The first
is that we are all one.”
~Joseph Campbell
Chris and Bob with
Michigan State Representative Chris Kolb
Co-Coordinator
Richard Hillaker passed away just weeks
before The Campaign to END AIDS kickoff.
The Northern Tier Caravan was named
in Richard's honor. "The Diva Express"
Rest in peace Richard, we will carry
on in your honor! Your shoes will never
be replaced but you will always be in
our hearts!
Our
last days of AIDS advocacy on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
