| In
1986, a group
of concerned citizens from all walks of life gathered
together in the Lehigh Valley. They were witnessing
a terrifying, devastating disease recently named
"AIDS" take from them what they valued
the very most. Their lovers and partners. Their
life-long friends. Their sons, brothers, daughters
and sisters.
Over
13,000
people had died in the U.S. by this time and no
one knew when... or if... it would end. The Federal
Government's response up to this time had been slow,
under funded, and tinged with more than a small
amount of institutionalized disdain for the gay
community, which had been the hardest hit by the
disease at that point. Homophobia, conflicting theories,
and resistance to educational outreaches hampered
efforts by medical personnel, health activists,
and minority leaders to stem the tide. But a growing
number of people in the Lehigh Valley felt the pain,
fear, and desperation of those around them. Looking
forward at where this epidemic would be headed they
realized one thing: it would take an entire community
working together to help those needing it the most.
It was not just a gay issue, it was not just a big
city issue, it was everyone's issue.
It
was from this group that FACT was born. Throughout
its 35 year history FACT has been staffed entirely
by unpaid volunteers. The resulting savings in administrative
cost are therefore passed directly into our community
to fund the programs and services that are so needed
by the HIV+ and Persons With Aids in our towns and
cities in the Greater Lehigh Valley region.
In
1992,
a similarly concerned group of people started our
first chapter in Bucks County. FACT
Bucks County serves the residents of
it's county, as well as Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
They also underwrite the Robert Burton Education
Fund.
Additionally,
The Lehigh Valley AIDSWALK has
merged with FACT to take advantage of FACT's administration
and logistics resources and the synchronicity of
the two organization's missions and histories.
FACT'S
MISSION
To help alleviate unnecessary suffering
To
halt the spread of HIV/AIDS
To
assure the quality of life
To
raise & distribute funds
To
EDUCATE |
