I am deeply inspired by the following quote, from my grandmother’s acceptance speech for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (1993), reminding us all to be as compassionate and loving as we can be, and to bravely stand up for others when needed: “I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being to prove that we are a human race. To prove that our love outweighs our need to hate. That our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame. That our sensitivity to those in need is stronger than our greed. That our ability to reason overcomes our fear. And that at the end of each of our lives, we can look back and be proud that we have treated others with the kindness, dignity and respect that every human being deserves.

Laela Wilding lives in Portland, Oregon with her family, where she works as a graphic designer. In addition to her involvement with ETAF, she serves on the board of directors at Our House of Portland, which provides health care, housing, and other vital services to low-income HIV+ people. Laela also organizes and speaks at events on behalf of ETAF, bringing people together in grassroots fundraising, encouraging love and acceptance for all of those affected by HIV.