Jake Glaser Addresses Communications Workers of America Convention

Posted by Evan Von Leer
Washington, D.C.
July 28, 2010

Jake Glaser

In 1990, Elizabeth Glaser took the microphone at the Communications Workers of America (CWA) National Convention and passionately shared her story with the audience. She detailed for them the issues around pediatric AIDS, including the lack of treatment for children living with HIV, the fact that no research was being done, and the shocking reality that just a few short years prior to her addressing them, people didn’t even realize that HIV even affected children.

It was at that meeting that CWA designated the Foundation as its “Charity of Choice,” and in the 20 years since, local chapters throughout the country have united behind our mission, raising nearly $7 million to help the Foundation’s lifesaving programs.

Earlier this week, Elizabeth’s son Jake, now 25 years old and healthy, returned to the CWA convention to address the crowd. He took the stage to a standing ovation, the recipent of the traditional “unity clap” from the crowd. Emotional at times, Jake thanked those gathered in the room for their steadfast commitment to the Foundation and for their help in the fight to eliminate pediatric HIV and AIDS. He told the story of the Foundation, spoke about his sister Ariel’s struggle with AIDS, and the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV in the 20 years since his mother spoke to a room full of many of the same attendees.

Watch this video for highlights from Jake’s speech: