When my father died of AIDS, I knew I had to do everything in my power to prevent others from going through what he endured. I support AmFAR which provides funds for cutting edge AIDS research so we can find a vaccine and a cure.
Of course you know the miracle of AIDS, we all do. It's the only disease that turns fruits into vegetables.
George W. Bush was passionate about AIDS. And we had a 10-minute talk at the interval of a concert at the Kennedy Center about AIDS. And I was astonished about how well-informed he was and his commitment to AIDS. And so it's the typical thing of don't judge a book by its cover until you have read the book.
People with AIDS, cancer and other illnesses need free nonmedical support services.
I don't think you should be ashamed of anybody that you know that has AIDS. You should stand as close to them as you can and help them out as much as you can. I'm a strong believer in that and that's why I try to do that for everyone I know that has the virus.
I knew about AIDS. My friends were dying right, left, and center. I did a record with Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight. I did a couple of benefits.
I think it's very important to support the program in your area, as each part of the country has its own challenges coping with AIDS. It can be very different from state to state and city to city. Wherever you live, there is surely someone who could use your help.
AIDS is no longer just a disease, it is a human rights issue.