FUNDRAISING HISTORY / DAVID's STORY

Thank you for taking the time to visit our site. I would like to share a story with you about a little boy named David. Three years ago my production company was putting together our annual holiday toy and gift drive to help children living with HIV and AIDS. A friend referred me to look into a home in Washington Heights, that houses twenty-two children year round living with HIV and AIDS called The Incarnation Children's Center.
 I decided to visit with my mom, to meet with the staff and see exactly what they did for these children.  When I got there, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm and inviting feeling the home had. Although the children were living with HIV and AIDS, they looked happy and well taken care of.  I was given a tour and met several of the staff and children living there.  As we reached one part of the home, I noticed a room with a little boy in bed, who was covered by mesh netting. This little boy was named David.  David was not only living with HIV, but also with Cerebral Palsy. He was not able to get out of bed due to the fact that his motorized wheelchair was falling apart. I was told that the paperwork for a new chair was submitted to Medicaid twice and lost both times.  Finally, on the third time, David was refused his chair.
 As I rode the subway back home, all I could think about was David. How could this little boy be denied something he needed so badly? I remember starting to cry, but by the time I reached my stop, my sadness grew into anger. I knew something had to be done so I decided to put on a cabaret show to help raise the money for the chair. I called all of my talented performer friends and on February 5, 2005, produced a show called DIVAPALOOZA 2.  On that night, with the help from some angels in the audience, we raised enough money to buy David his new motorized wheelchair. I am so happy to report that David was able to go back to school part time that spring, and full time that fall. Today he is doing well!
David made me realize that there must be more children like him in the city that need help. So I decided to start an organization that I called Help Is On The Way Today. David touched my heart and reminded me that life is a journey and that everyday is a gift. I hope you will join us on this journey, as we help change the lives of children living with HIV and AIDS.