A E Phi-lanthropy

A Brief History

In 1988, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation was co-founded by Elizabeth Glaser, Susan DeLaurentis and Susie Zeegen. As mothers, the three friends were compelled to take action after Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, discovered that she, their daughter Ariel and son Jake were all HIV-infected. At the time, it was not yet widely known that HIV/AIDS was affecting children, so the issues pertaining to them were not clearly understood. Whether they were talking to lawmakers or researchers, school administrators or neighbors, Elizabeth, Susan and Susie learned of the need for education and compassion, but also found that research money was desperately needed. The mission was clear – to get money into the hands of researchers as quickly as possible to find answers for children infected with HIV. What began at a kitchen table 11 years ago is now the leading worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, funding and conducting critical pediatric AIDS research. Today, there is an entire community of pediatric AIDS researchers that didn't exist before. Fewer children are being born with HIV, and children with HIV infection are living longer and healthier lives. In every area of the Federal government, from research priorities at the National Institutes of Health, to the halls of Congress, children with HIV are no longer forgotten.   Elizabeth Glaser died in 1994 but her vision, passion and mission live on in the Foundation and its work. On December 1, 1997 - World AIDS Day - the Foundation officially enhanced its name to become the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation as a tribute to Elizabeth's legacy and inspiration in working to find the answers that will eradicate pediatric HIV/AIDS.

Pictured are the cofounders, Elizabeth Glaser, Susan DeLaurentis and Susie Zeegen. AEPhi and Sharsheret                      Sharsheret, Hebrew for "chain," was founded in 2001 by Rochelle Shoretz, a former law clerk to United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Kappa), who recognized the need for a breast cancer organization that would provide culturally-sensitive support for Jewish women after her own diagnosis at age 28. Read the press release. Sharsheret's programs include a one-on-one peer support network, education and outreach programs addressing the unique concerns of younger women facing breast cancer, and quality of life programs. Members of Alpha Epsilon Phi can support Sharsheret's mission to support young Jewish women facing breast cancer by spreading the word, fundraising, creating a team for local walks, runs, and marathons for breast cancer, hosting a local event, or organizing a health fair.

"...our dreams can come true.  I challenge you to make it happen, because all our lives depend on it..." Elizabeth Meyer Glaser 1947-1994