A number of prominent international and local figures expressed their support of Brodsky and the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Marathons, including South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, and perhaps most significantly, the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, who wrote, “I wish you every triumphant success. There can be no objective on this planet more worthy than to overcome the pandemic of HIV/AIDS” (italics mine).
Brodsky says: "I owe my life to the excellent medical care we have in America. While the future doctors of America, The American Medical Student Association (AMSA),
cannot take credit for keeping me alive, they surely can take credit for keeping my story alive.
University of Florida pathobiology professor Dr. Janet K. Yamamoto has also expressed her support for the 2005 Marathon. Dr. Yamamoto, of the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, created a vaccine for the feline version of HIV – yes, believe it or not there is a cat version of HIV! – which may lead to similar vaccine for humans.
***
As President of the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail (FrOGHaT) it is my pleasure to inform you that the Board of Directors has voted to endorse your event and that we are ready to help in anyway we can in making this worthy cause a success. Tom Stevens, President of FROGHAT
***
I'm very inspired by the way you have chosen to spend your time on earth. What you are doing are undoubtedly deeds of
righteousness, loving kindness and holiness
Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, Uganda
***
Archbishop Desmond Tutu is delighted to hear of the 2004 AIDS Africa Marathon. He sends his warm wishes for the success of this exciting and challenging event. Lavinia Browne, Personal Assistant
***
Harvard Medical School, Dr. Bruce Dezube...Yours is a beautiful message of hope
***
Feedback
****prize-winning letter published in The Standard… Nairobi, Kenya ****
Let’s support Aids marathoner
When life hands you a lemon," so the dictum goes," make lemonade out of it." This line of wisdom clicked in my mind immediately I started reading the article "NYC marathoner runs for Kenya" by Betty Kemunto in New York. It is a case of juggling with one’s pride, altruism and a display of exceptional character which is hard to come by today. Yet, the couple has decided to take the bull by the horns and try to make some good out of a bad situation. However, one question begs an answer: will their efforts of creating awareness bear any fruits?
Awareness of the disease has been drummed into mankind’s head but still there is minimal behavior change. It’s like AIDS has already lost its scare value. Thus, our red light streets are still as vibrant as ever, irresponsible sex - even with minors, continue to dominate; incest, fornication, homosexuality...the list is long.
But a prophet is coming. It is said that a prophet is not recognized in his homeland. Richard Brodsky (read AIDS prophet) is flying from his homeland for a purpose - to continue with the awareness that is slowly sliding to oblivion. Are we going to heed his call or despise his noble efforts?
-Michael Nyagah Mainge, Nakuru, Kenya
***
The Richard M. Brodsky Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3)
(c)2005 Richard M. Brodsky Foundation
The World AIDS Marathon and its logo are trademarks. All Rights Reserved.
