More than 500,000 individuals were lost during the 1980s and 1990s to the AIDS crisis, a tragedy which catalyzed action and led to the formation of the Colorado AIDS Project. This nascent organization rose to meet the moment with dignity and respect. In the words of longtime employee Lupe Joyner, “We used to help people die. Now we help them live.”
Simultaneously, in an attempt to find closure and honor the memories of their lost loved ones, the AIDS Quilt was born. The original 1,920 panels were displayed on the National Mall, covering an area the size of a football field. In the years since, it has grown to more than 50,000 panels memorializing more than 100,000 individuals.
Though the crisis peaked in 1995, an immense need for high-quality healthcare remained. Like the AIDS Quilt, Colorado AIDS Project evolved into Colorado Health Network and combined six agencies while expanding into wraparound care services for individuals affected by HIV. This important work and mission continue.
Each year, our community gathers at the Cheesman Park Pavilion to honor those we have lost to the AIDS Crisis with a powerful display of 10 original panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. This moving event reminds us that every name, every story, every life matters.
About This Event
Honoring the Legacy. Stewarding the Future
More than 500,000 individuals were lost during the 1980s and 1990s to the AIDS crisis, a tragedy which catalyzed action and led to the formation of the Colorado AIDS Project. This nascent organization rose to meet the moment with dignity and respect. In the words of longtime employee Lupe Joyner, “We used to help people die. Now we help them live.”
Simultaneously, in an attempt to find closure and honor the memories of their lost loved ones, the AIDS Quilt was born. The original 1,920 panels were displayed on the National Mall, covering an area the size of a football field. In the years since, it has grown to more than 50,000 panels memorializing more than 100,000 individuals.
Though the crisis peaked in 1995, an immense need for high-quality healthcare remained. Like the AIDS Quilt, Colorado AIDS Project evolved into Colorado Health Network and combined six agencies while expanding into wraparound care services for individuals affected by HIV. This important work and mission continue.
Each year, our community gathers at the Cheesman Park Pavilion to honor those we have lost to the AIDS Crisis with a powerful display of 10 original panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. This moving event reminds us that every name, every story, every life matters.
