Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune (CT) - THURSDAY November 25, 1993 Edition: NORTH SPORTS FINAL Section: CHICAGOLAND Page: 16 Word Count: 399
Suzanne G. Hlotke, Tribune Staff Writer
An exhibit, featuring the artwork and stories of Chicago Latino children whose relatives suffer from AIDS or HIV, revealed the gut-wrenching expressions and thoughts of the victims of the fallout from the deadly disease.
Recalling her sister's illness, a 6-year-old girl recalled, "I cried because she got sick when she was a little baby, and . . . and my mother died . . . I went to a funeral, and I saw my mother, and my other little baby sister, she was still in my mother's stomach." Using the exhibit as a backdrop, a group of health-care professionals announced this week the formation of the first AIDS support group specifically for the Spanish-speaking community in Kane County.
The exhibit, on loan from the Mexican Fine Arts Museum in Chicago, is titled "Latinos: Youth Living with HIV/AIDS in the Family." The project was completed this year by Dr. George Rivera Jr., a faculty member in the department of sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
In addition to gathering the artwork of Latino children, Rivera compiled a book of interviews with the children talking about their feelings about acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the human immunodeficiency virus that causes it.
The exhibit will remain on display at the library until Dec. 1, which has been designated World AIDS Day.
The exhibit includes works from 62 children and young adults ages 5 to 19.
The new support group was formed with the help of Carlos Chavez, an addictions counselor with Prevention, Education and Resource Consultants in Elgin; Andrea Fiebig, a program specialist with the American Red Cross in Crystal Lake; Hugh Epping, director of the Open Door Clinic in Elgin; and Carmie Frankovich, a caseworker with Open Door.
Chavez said that privacy laws prevent hospitals and other agencies from supplying the group with names of those infected with AIDS or HIV, but the four will spread the word about the new group by giving information to hospitals, clinics and other agencies that may deal with AIDS patients.
He told the 35 people who gathered at the library that the group will give Latinos a chance to share their common experiences in dealing with the disease.
931125
CT931101
Copyright © 1993 - Chicago Tribune. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Chicago Tribune, Permissions Desk, 435 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 http://www.chicagotribune.com
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1993. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .