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Dab the AIDS Bear Project
April 2, 2010
by Bradley Osborn
Dab Garner started giving huggable teddy bears to HIV/AIDS patients in the early ’80s when the common practice was for these people to be quarantined, away from contact with friends and family. The bear-giving tradition grew – first in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, then nationwide.
Now an AIDS survivor for nearly three decades, Garner is CEO of Dab the AIDS Bear Project, a nonprofit organization that uses these cuddly bears to teach, mend and inspire.
Dab the AIDS Bear Project formed in 2003 in response to cuts in the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which supports medical care and support services for HIV/AIDS patients. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which provided free or low-cost drugs to HIV-positive people with limited financial resources, was being underfunded after the cuts, and Garner decided to turn the bears into a way to augment this program.
“I was one of the first Americans diag-nosed with HIV, when it was still called GRID [Gay-Related Immune Deficiency">,” Garner said, “and have held over 7,000 friends, three partners and my godchild as they lost their battles with AIDS. I would be dishonoring their deaths and sacrifices if I was not doing what I do.”
Dab was blessed with an HIV-positive goddaughter, whom he lost just before Christmas 1989. He has carried out the work of Teddy Bear Touchdowns in her memory. Teddy Bear Touchdowns are holiday events for children with HIV and AIDS held in several cities throughout the country.
Dab the AIDS Bear Project is a grassroots organization; it accepts only private donations.
Dab (the human) is a tireless promoter of his namesake bear’s mission. He has appeared on POZIAM Radio, an Internet radio show sharing stories of people living with HIV/AIDS, and Positive Life on Who’s Positive Radio and in POZ Magazine, and you can find him out in the community throughout the week, sharing the awareness message. Garner also works with AARP, posts others’ stories to the Dab Bear website (DabtheAidsbearproject.com) and harries politicians for more appropriations.
Whether you meet Dab in person or in a virtual way, you won’t get away without a warm, friendly feeling and one of his signature big bear hugs. Dab the Bear might just show up somewhere near you.
Dab the Bear in Kansas City
Dab the AIDS Bear Project has 128 Ambassadors of Hope around the world and 95 in the United States.
Look for Ambassadors of Hope Greg Hetzler and Renica Justrenica at AIDS Walk Kansas City on April 24. Justrenica also is planning “Dirty Game Show” events with Dab the AIDS Bear on the first Wednesday of each month at Missie B’s. April’s fundraiser will benefit AIDS Walk.
How to Help
To purchase and receive your Dab Bear to help raise
awareness and prevention or to sponsor a Teddy Bear Touchdown, go to the group’s website: DabtheAidsbearproject.com (multiple Facebook groups are also available). Dab Garner can be contacted at DaddyDab@DabtheAidsbearproject.com.
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