About the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation
Mission Statement
The mission of the Foundation is to raise money for
research for the cure or vaccine for AIDS, provide homes
for orphans, to help those already afflicted with AIDS,
and to help those with brain cancer.
The Foundation’s Specific Goals
We have eight specific goals:
1. To fund an AIDS research center at the University
of Florida.
2. To fund AIDS research at facilities internationally.
3. To urge the United States Postal Service to issue
a commemorative stamp acknowledging that AIDS exists.
A portion of the money from each stamp sold could be
donated towards finding the cure.
4. To help build up the AIDS infrastructure in Africa
by funding clinics and orphanages.
5. To provide AIDS medication to African mothers-to-be
to reduce the infant mortality rate.
6. To fund research into finding a cure for brain cancer.
7. To support HIV-positive people and brain cancer survivors
who could not afford to promote and publicize their
accomplishments.
8. To raise awareness that HIV and brain cancer can
be overcome by living a healthy, upbeat lifestyle, and
to thereby bring hope to those who have it.
Where The Money Will Go
Net proceeds from the Foundation’s fundraising
efforts will be distributed as follows:
40% to fund AIDS charities in the city and / or state that hosts the 2006 World AIDS Marathon.
20% to fund AIDS research at the University of Florida at Gainesville
8% to each of the following:
a. Providing homes for orphans
b. AIDS research projects, such as the International
AIDS Vaccine Initiative
c. Health care and medication to Africans with AIDS
d. Worthy projects by and for HIV-positive people and
brain cancer survivors
e. Brain cancer research in the United States
How the Money Will Be Raised
In 2005, the main fundraising vehicle was the 2005 World AIDS Marathon / 5K Fun Walk, and Conference/Exhibit in Gainesville, Florida. Funding for these events was sought from corporations, other Foundations, individuals, race entry fees and fees to attend the conference/exhibit. To the largest extent possible, donations of goods and services were also sought.
The truth of the matter was that no money was raised and the event cost the foundation money. For 2006 and 2007. two World AIDS Marathons did occur and money was donated to almost all the charities listed on the Foundation website.
How and Why the Foundation Came Into Being
In 1997, Richard Brodsky was diagnosed HIV-positive,
and began taking AIDS medication, which he takes to
this very day. In 2002, Richard suffered a seizure whose
root cause turned out to be brain cancer (unrelated
to his HIV). He then underwent months of treatment for
that, recovering in time to run the 2003 New York Marathon.
Upon completing the Marathon, it occurred to him that
he owed his life to the excellent medical care we have
here in the United States – and felt there was
no good reason why people in poorer countries shouldn’t
be afforded the same type of care. Thus, the seeds of
the Foundation were planted. Even though the Foundation
had not yet received its non-profit status, in 2004
Richard organized the World AIDS Marathon in Mbita,
Kenya, whose proceeds helped to partially fund an AIDS
orphanage there.
For further details about the 2004 through 2008 Marathons and Richard, please use the links.
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