Ramona Belfiore

Ramona Belfiore is a 13-year-old girl who was born in Constanta, Romania. From the time of her birth until age 3½, Ramona was institutionalized and suffered severe deprivation. During this time she contracted HIV. At 3½, Ramona and three other children from the same orphanage were adopted by an American family. Last year, Ramona and one of her friends created a board game to teach people about HIV/AIDS and disabilities. The Youth Vision Program, a Washington based non-profit organisation, designated them "2000 Youth Visionaries" and awarded them grant money to start the initial marketing of the game. They are currently field testing the game in schools and looking for sponsors to help with final production.

"I believe that everyone -- big and small -- can make a difference in the fight against AIDS."

-- Ramona Belfiore

Back to the World AIDS Campaign 2001 posters