CHOAIDS LETTER - FEB 24, 2006

Dear Friends,

My name is Marie F. Denis and I am the director of Caring for Haitian Orphans with AIDS, Inc. (CHOAIDS), an organization that seeks to meet the basic needs of HIV-positive AIDS orphans in Haiti.  I decided to start this organization three years ago after learning about the number of HIV-positive children who were rejected after their trusted caretakers were informed of their HIV status.  Our goal is to provide these children with shelter, education, nutrition and medications in a loving environment. So far I am pleased to report that we are accomplishing that goal with small funds donated monthly by people like you.

As you probably know, Haiti is a country with many challenges; these challenges also include the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS outside of Africa.  In 2004, there were over 220,000 AIDS orphans in Haiti, of which 12,000 were known to either be infected with HIV or have AIDS.  As it is in many countries affected by this pandemic, those infected with and affected by this deadly virus are often stigmatized in society.  CHOAIDS is a place where children can be themselves without inhibition.  Friends, with pennies a day you can help us meet the needs of these children.   Right now we are in the process of raising funds to pay our yearly rent ($725.00); anything you can contribute toward that sum will make a difference.  Please help us continue to fight HIV/AIDS by supporting these innocent children whom no one else wants.  Together we will make a difference!

Thank you in advance,

Marie F. Denis