EGPAF at 25: Celebrating Milestones Together

When I joined the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) 20 years ago, we were a small nonprofit driven by a singular purpose: to bring hope to children living with AIDS.  At that time there were eight of us working in a one-room office in Santa Monica, California. 

The task in front of us was daunting – there were very few treatment options for children, and no way to block transmission of the virus from mom to baby. 

Today, 20 years later, this same organization has expanded its reach around the globe.  Treatment options have improved and prevention strategies have dramatically reduced new HIV infections in children–with a 90 percent reduction in the United States, and a 50 percent reduction worldwide 

EGPAF has been a major contributor to that success, having just reached the 20 millionth woman with HIV testing, counseling, and services to prevent HIV transmission to her newborn through our programs.

Our original goal of bringing hope to children and families with AIDS is now about ending this disease in children worldwide. 

Elizabeth Glaser first brought her fight against pediatric HIV straight to the steps of the White House and demanded policymakers take action. And thanks to our loyal donors and supporters we have taken Elizabeth’s fight to end pediatric AIDS to 15 countries around the world. Our global success would not have been possible without their unflagging passion and support. And that’s still true today. This year, we are celebrating EGPAF’s 25th anniversary in Washington, D.C. – where Elizabeth’s fight began.

Please join us at the Newseum on June 24, 2014 as we commemorate 25 years of dedication to an AIDS-free future and the donors and supporters who have helped us achieve our goals.

Learn more about our 25th anniversary event.

Trish Karlin is EGPAF's executive vice president of communications, marketing and resource development.