— “My brother Steve (December 31, 1961 — March 28, 1996) was 10 years older than me and I worshipped him. He loved music and influenced my love for music. Steve was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 when he was just 22 years old. He kept it to himself for a…
— “My brother Steve (December 31, 1961 — March 28, 1996) was 10 years older than me and I worshipped him. He loved music and influenced my love for music. Steve was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 when he was just 22 years old. He kept it to himself for a couple of years before telling his family. It was devastating as AIDS was seemingly a death sentence. I endured lots of bullying at school as I defended my brother’s “lifestyle choices”. In about 1988, Steve and his partner John, opened a halfway house for others with HIV that were isolated from their family and community. I loved St Francis House and I was like everyone's little sister. Sadly, I saw many young men die and by the age of 18 I had attended more funerals that I can count. But I was proud of my brother for what he and his partner did. They provided a safe haven to so many people and thanks to St Francis house, I met the most incredible people. After losing his partner John to an accidental overdose (when my bother was quite ill), my brother managed to make it to my wedding on March 3, 1996. Three weeks later, he was gone. Steve was my brother, my friend, my music mentor, and my hero. I miss him everyday but I am lucky to have only happy memories of him. I Love you Steve.”
Show more
