March 23, 2011
NMAC Statement on the Death of Elizabeth Taylor
The following is a statement from National Minority AIDS Council Deputy Executive Director Daniel C. Montoya:
Washington, DC – “The National Minority AIDS Council was deeply saddened to learn that Elizabeth Taylor, long time AIDS advocate and community leader, died this morning at the age of 79. From the onset of the epidemic, Ms. Taylor was an early and fierce advocate for action to combat HIV/AIDS. As early as 1984, she organized and hosted the very first fundraiser for AIDS Project Los Angeles.
“Moved by news that her dear friend and fellow actor, Rock Hudson, was dying from the disease, Ms. Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research in 1985 and in 1986, testified before Congress about the need for increased federal funding to combat the epidemic.
By 1991, Ms. Taylor had established her own charity, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which has raised millions to provide critically needed support services and prevention education across the globe.” “Despite her own deteriorating health in recent years, Ms. Taylor remained committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS, serving as an inspiration to all of us living with and struggling against this disease. She was a beacon of compassion and fairness and her light will truly be missed by our community.”
Contact: Kyle Murphy, (202) 483-6622 ext. 333
kmurphy@nmac.org