Many of the panels which compose the Quilt were made during a time when fear of this unknown disease was at its peak.  No one knew anything about it – all that was known about it was that no one survived it.  As the days, months, and years passed through the 1970’s and the 1980’s, AIDS was manifesting itself into one of the most feared global diseases ever known to mankind.  It seemed to have developed its own persona, never slowing, always conquering, and taking lives with a rage and a savageness never witnessed before.  Sweeping its way across the world AIDS left behind anger, fear and many tears to mourn the losses.

 Then in 1985 something changed.  Inspiration found a road into the world, suddenly giving us a new found hope and comfort. A young man by the name of Cleave Jones determined to honor friends who had been lost to AIDS, began making panels in their memory.  As more individuals began making panels for loved ones lost to AIDS, the darkness of fear began to fade and a veil of comfort and a sense of strength and unity began moving through-out the country.  Now, almost 30 years later and what started as a young man's inspiration has become the greatest healing work of art in the world and has come to be known as The AIDS Memorial Quilt.  The Quilt, now known internationally for its beauty, is also symbolic of the human heart finding a way to heal.  However, the beauty of the Quilt truly is metaphoric - as one sees the magnificent colors and the beautiful, young, smiling faces, the realization of what is represents is heartrending. 

So what role does C.U.R.E. play in this?  We want you to see the Quilt - we want you to see their faces, we want you to read their stories – we want you to “remember their names”.