First, thanks to everyone who is visiting my fundraiser page.  I'm very happy that you're taking the time to consider donating.  This is a great cause and it needs all the help it can get.

I'm particularly concerned as a law student interested in human and civil rights at the idle complacency of the public at large when faced with difficult issues or the harsh realities around the world. 

Martin Luther King once said, "In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

A dominant attitude seems to be that if one can't closely relate to the problem, it's not something one should be concerned about.  A lot of people are happy just ignoring the problems facing much of the world.  We may not be in great positions of power, but that doesn't mean we can't make a difference in the life of a child in Africa or help one of the worse humanitarian disasters facing the world today.  When it comes to helping, there is no such things as too little.

This charity helps children in Africa affected by AIDS.  It does so by partnering with agencies in Uganda and Kenya to provide cost-effective relief, services, medical and social support.  It's also helps educate and advocate on behalf of those affected by AIDS to help them achieve their full life potential.

Check out the main page.

So combine this with rock climbing and I think we have a great cause here.  I'm going to climb on September 22nd at the Shawangunks (Gunks) in NY.

We're not asking a lot.  Donate as much or as little as you can.  Even a small amount helps.  If you can donate $50, donate $50.  If you can only spare $5, donate $5.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

American Foundation for Children with AIDS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization so any donation you make is tax-deductible.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  I would truly appreciate it.

On a side note - If you want your donation to list you as anonymous, follow these directions: After you have submitted your credit card information, the next page titled Please confirm your donation has a text field located at the bottom of the screen titled display name. If you do not want your name to display on the fundraising page, type anonymous and click confirm to submit your donation.

Please note - Your real name will be shared with the page owner in their secure online account and also with the organization for which they are raising funds. For more information, please visit Firstgiving Privacy Policy.

If you already made your donation and wish to have it display as anonymous, please contact us at support@firstgiving.com to change this for you.

Best,
Joe

Once one has been to these challenging terrible places they're always strangely drawn back because there is nothing that can compare to seeing the raw reality of the basic human need for survival. It disgusts and inspires ~ Dan Eldon