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AIDS took his family, now he's giving back HOME >> Organization helps children infected with disease The pain AIDS caused a Stafford County man fuels his passion to help children going through the same ordeal Date published: 12/6/2007
By CATHY DYSON There was a time when Ozzy Ramos tried to put the impact of AIDS behind him, to block out the memory of those he lost. But, a year ago, when the Stafford County man felt compelled to help others, he knew there was only one cause he could embrace. He founded HOME, Home of Miracles and Embraces Inc., to help children infected with HIV/AIDS. "This thing has always surrounded me, and I can't get away from it," he said. Ramos wants to build a retreat for children. Until he raises money for land for such a camp, he'll provide as much fun as he can to those who suffer. This month, he's granting holiday wishes to 32 kids served by the Georgetown University Medical Center. He hopes to raise $10,000 to get every item on their lists. Philanthropist Doris Buffett will match, dollar-for-dollar, whatever HOME raises by Friday, Dec. 14. Underprivileged children are dear to Buffett's Sunshine Lady Foundation, and she's been impressed by Ramos. "He suffered enormous tragedies in life, and I admire what he's trying to do to help other people, especially children who have suffered from this," she said. "That's why I'm on board." dreams deteriorate Ramos, 41, was a young Marine when AIDS first touched him. He's a "Newyorican," a Puerto Rican raised in New York City, and his Brooklyn home was infested with drugs and gangs. Ramos and his best friend, Maritza, married and he joined the Marine Corps to get out of the neighborhood. Things were going great. Both had sons from previous relationships, then had a baby girl, Venus, together. Venus got sick with respiratory problems and eventually tested positive for HIV/AIDS. So did Maritza and her son. Somehow, Ramos escaped a positive diagnosis, but not the pain. His little girl was barely a year old when she died. His wife lingered for another five years, and her son, several years after that. Ramos watched them deteriorate, along with their dreams. His wife got the infection from her son's father and passed it along to her children. As Maritza suffered, Ramos became an activist, lobbying for his family's care. That was in the mid-1980s, when little was known about the disease.
Date published: 12/6/2007
This was a great article to read - I am so sorry about all of this man's trials, but what a great man! Thank you, Mr. Ramos, for defending our country & for helping these kids!
for doing something to help these kids. I am sorry you have suffered so much.
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