AIDS Action Mourns Stoddard's Death

The AIDS Action family is today deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Tom Stoddard -- a longtime civil rights advocate and a true leader in our country's fight against AIDS. Tom Stoddard, who all too often placed his needs behind the needs of our community, exemplified what is good and right about our country. He passionately believed that all Americans are created equal and, therefore, should be treated equally. To the very end, he fiercely fought to ensure that all Americans affected by HIV and AIDS were able to enjoy the fruits of the hope spurred by advances in AIDS therapies -- this at a time when he himself could not reap the benefits of these therapies. AIDS Action recognized Tom Stoddard last year with an AIDS Action National Leadership Award. That award and all the accolades in the world, however, can never fully express our gratitude for what Tom Stoddard through his hard work and perseverance achieved on behalf of our communities. We at AIDS Action extend our condolences to Tom's companion, Walter Rieman, and the Stoddard family.

For more information, contact:
AIDS Action Council
1875 Connecticut Avenue NW #700
Washington DC 20009
202-986-1300, extension 3053
202-986-1345 (fax)
202-332-9614 (tty)
E-Mail: aidsaction@aidsaction.org