From Nicole Parton and David Elkins, May 2004

Dear Friends of the Dr. Peter Centre:

My husband and I recently had the privilege of touring the Dr. Peter Centre in Vancouver. The experience was so moving for both of us, that I asked Dr. Peter’s parents, Bob and Shirley Young, if we might share our thoughts about the Centre with you. These words from the heart are spontaneous, sincere, and unprompted. David and I hope you will take a few moments to read them.

Seeing this wonderful Centre brought a flood of memories to my mind —how Vancouver physician, Dr. Peter Jepson-Young stood for two years before the unblinking eye of a television camera with this simple but courageous declaration: “I have AIDS. This is what it looks like. This is what it does. This is how it feels.” And even more importantly: “This is what you can do to prevent it. This is how to nurture hope. This is how to transcend sadness and grief.”

His eyesight eventually gone, his body ravaged by the disease, “Dr. Peter”—as British Columbians and uncounted thousands of Canadians and others around the world came to know him—spoke to viewers week after week, eloquently and without self-pity, until his physical strength failed and the words that educated and enlightened so many no longer came. Dr. Peter died November 15, 1992.

With the generous commitment of government, the business community, Dr. Peter’s family, partner, friends, medical colleagues, and people just like you, the new Dr. Peter Centre, that opened in Vancouver September 25, 2003, is continuing Peter’s legacy of caring and compassion. As Peter wrote in his Affirmation: “The energy that is me will not be lost.”

The opening of the permanent centre last fall isn’t the end of the story. It’s only the start, because the HIV/AIDS crisis is still with us. Those with the greatest needs—those with fewest resources, whose health is severely compromised – increasingly need the support of the Dr. Peter Centre. Our support is needed to make sure the Dr. Peter Centre is there to provide Comfort Care for people most in need. I’m hoping you can help.

The Dr. Peter Centre is supported by a combination of government and donor funding. Each year there is an increasing amount the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation needs to raise in order to meet costs of operations. This year the Dr. Peter Centre needs to raise $500,000 to meet the balance of its $3.8 million operating budget.

So here’s my idea: All it takes to raise that money are 500 caring people who are each willing to donate $1,000 a year, or 1,000 to donate $500 a year. A monthly gift of $42 becomes $500 in a year; $84 a month, $1000. Your gift is receiptable for income tax purposes. Consider the impact your gift will make on the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. Share this letter with your family, friends and neighbours. Talk to them about Comfort Care and what we can do together. And then do it! Don’t wait.

I know that if we all pull together, we’ll succeed. Not only can we do it, but we will! My husband and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely yours,

Nicole Parton and David J. Elkins Parksville, BC