Fred Says: Gift Ideas
Posted on November 13, 2013 by A&U in Noteworthy
A&U’s 12th Annual Holiday Gift Guide
Essentials for Living
A cuddly teddy bear, stunning jewelry, a box of bonbons, a chic wrap, a cutie-pie coffee mug—you don’t need any of these. They are not exactly essentials for living. But, really, they are—each one of the items featured in our twelfth-annual holiday gift guide helps individuals living with HIV/AIDS to enjoy a nutritious meal on a daily basis, or access to direct services, or a chance to establish a livelihood, or the feeling of being loved. Check out these chances to strengthen the HIV/AIDS community.
Fred Says
Everyone knows this essential fact: Pets are wonderful support. And Fred, an adorable Yorkie, is no exception. Since early 2011, Fred has helped his adopted dad, Rob Garofalo, find the strength to make peace with his then-recent HIV-positive diagnosis during a time when he had been facing a series of personal, professional and health-related challenges, including a cancer diagnosis in 2006. Thanks to Fred, joy returned to Rob’s life. • Chicago-based Rob Garofalo, MD, is Director of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Gender, Sexuality and HIV Prevention Center and also the medical director of the Adolescent/Young Adult HIV Program. Passionately working on behalf of HIV-positive adolescents through primary patient care, advocacy, and HIV prevention and clinical research, he wanted to enlist others to help support the health and wellbeing of HIV-positive adolescents. Who better than Fred to lead the pack? With his image and overall cutie-pie status emblazoned on everything from mugs and leashes to greeting cards and T-shirts, Fred is the star of the non-profit charity that Rob set up, Fred Says. 
Tell Me More: Spreading the word via social media, such as a vibrant Facebook presence and e-card campaigns, Fred Says strives to ensure that all HIV-positive teenagers receive the care and services they need to lead healthy and productive lives, and seeks to reduce HIV-associated stigma, which often creates a barrier to accessing care, and the improved health and emotional wellbeing that comes with it.
How Much: Fred Says 15 oz. Mug: $14.99; Fred Says 6-foot Leash: $12.99. No charge for shipping. Charitable donations are also accepted.
Who Benefits: Proceeds help support clients of the adolescent HIV program at Lurie Children’s Hospital, and other organizations in Chicago and across the nation that promote Fred Says goals.
How to Order: Log on to: www.fredsays.org.
