NJ Buddies is 30 years old this week. Over 30 years ago the founders brought hope for so many people afflicted with AIDS and HIV and they continue to do so today.
On October 16, 2015 at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton NJ Buddies will honor Frank Smith, the founder, along with Martin Gilbert and Pat Bain for their 30 plus years of service. They have an evening of dinner and dancing planned.
“There was a time when people were rapidly deteriorating and dying from an unknown plague. These people were avoided and kept ‘at bay’ in fear that it would spread quickly,” says NJ Buddies. “The only people strong enough to care beyond their fears courageously became ‘buddies’ to those in need. They visited with, cared for, and helped bring life’s necessities to society’s modern day lepers.”
Thirty-Four years ago (1981) the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS) was first diagnosed. Two years later (1983) they identified HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Two years later (1985) a group of ‘buddies’ officially incorporated as NJ Buddies (later changed to Buddies of NJ). Along the way many have been assisted by modern medications and people. AIDS/HIV has changed since the 1980’s. But Buddies of NJ reminds the community that “we still have people dying, we still have people not in care, and we still have those who will not even hang an AIDS WALK Poster because of their bigoted ideas. This presents the dangers and compounds the difficulties for one who needs to be in treatent in order to prevent the fatal progression of this disease.”
“Knowing Is Key!” says Buddies of NJ to staying healthy. “We have taken on this new campaign in efforts to get everyone at risk tested and everyone who is HIV(+) in treatment. We also know that viral suppression and prevention is the new road to a cure. We responsibly use this information in all our services in efforts to increase awareness, decrease stigma, and support those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.”
From the tireless efforts of staff members, to the selfless work of volunteers, to the above and beyond giving of many benefactors, to abounding support of most elected officials… Buddies of NJ, Inc. has been in the forefront of confronting HIV/AIDS head-on while providing dignity to their clients. They need your continued support.
Buddies of NJ is asking the community to come together, remember the accomplishments of the past 30 Years… and just have a blast with one another.
On October 16, 2015 at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton NJ Buddies will celebrate their 30 plus years of service. They invite the community to join together on October 16th.
For more information visit www.njbuddies.org. To purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/buddies-of-nj-inc-celebrates-30-years-tickets-15546044638.
