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ROME, Ga. (AP) — The 10 sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging at the Rome-Floyd County Library celebrate the lives of men, women and children who have died of the immune system disease.
Frank Tant, of the AIDS Resource Council of Rome, hopes the memorial will lead others to understand it more, and to seek help if they are in need.
"I would like to think that having these quilts hanging in that library, where so many people come through and see them, that it has an impact," Tant said. "I hope they realize AIDS is here in Rome. I hope it helps with the stigma attached to AIDS."
The 10 sections hang from the second floor of the library, draping down near Christmas decorations and on either side of Sara Hightower's portrait. The different 3-by-6 panels in each section were sewn by friends, lovers and families who wanted to commemorate a loved one who died of AIDS.
The sections will hang in the library through Dec. 3, Tant said, and then be returned to the Atlanta headquarters of The NAMES Project Foundation. The foundation acts as custodian of the quilt and sends the more than 48,000 panels to thousands of places across the nation.
Quilt sections have been displayed in Rome for eight years, Tant said. He feels that the quilts have brought positive change.
"I think people see them and get inspired and work up the courage to come in to the local council," he said.
Tant said the recent announcement by actor Charlie Sheen that he is HIV-positive seemed to have an effect as well.
"I had more phone calls after that, and several people came in to be tested," Tant said. "Now, when someone is diagnosed, it is fortunate that the treatment is much better. With treatment, there is no longer a compromised life expectancy."
On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, there will be a commemoration service in the living room of the Ford Building at Berry College at 7 p.m., with Rebecca Roberts as the keynote speaker. A reception will follow the service.
The local council also is accepting donations for their annual Christmas basket drive, Tant added.
"Every year the board members gather to assemble baskets for our clients," he said. "The baskets include a full meal, a sweet treat and toiletries."
Tant said the council is looking for sponsors and for anyone who would like to donate completed baskets.
"One very kind lady in town donates four decked-out baskets every year," he said. "It is really amazing."
The board will assemble the baskets on Dec. 8.
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Information from: Rome News-Tribune, http://www.romenews-tribune.com
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