Stafford resident Ozzy Ramos thought that he had closed a chapter of his life with the death of his son in 1998.
Ramos had buried his daughter in 1986 and his wife in 1992. They all died from complications of AIDS.
"It was a long road, a lot of pain," Ramos said. "And at the same time I was balancing my career as a Marine, and I was kind of able to handle it. After my son had passed, I kind of closed the door and never looked back. I never mentioned my wife's name again, never mentioned my kids' names, and I just kind of went on with my life."
But Ramos opened that door again after being inspired by a painting named "Opportunity Knocks" in a local furniture store.
"I knew a long time ago that I had a seed in me," Ramos said. "I knew that my lifetime commitment would be something to do with the AIDS virus."
So Ramos founded the Home of Miracles and Embraces, HOME for short, in the fall of 2006 and began to provide support for children infected with HIV.
And the response that Ramos got was huge.
"There are so many kids out there that are infected with or have been affected by HIV," Ramos said. "I have 172 kids in my program that can attest to that. And there are more kids on the waiting list. There are always more children that need help."
One way that Ramos is hoping to reach out to the Fredericksburg community is through a new branch of HOME, called HOME Sports, that was launched in March of this year.
HOME Sports will work with local professional and semiprofessional teams, as well as coordinating local recreational events to raise funds to help HOME accomplish its goals.
One such event is an AIDS 5K Walk/Run that HOME Sports is putting on in June.
To be followed by Fredstock 2009, a music festival with a lineup that includes the Transmitters, a local reggae act, the event is a way to raise funds for HOME and raise awareness for its cause.
"Everybody wants to see kids have a normal, happy life," said Bob Smith, Director for HOME Sports. "With events like the Fredstock 5K Walk/Run, it's a chance for the athletic community to embrace our goal of helping kids through fun and healthy activities.
"The money that we raise will go to summer camp weeks and other activities, and sports are a big part of that. Whether it's flag football, basketball or swimming, it's a great way for everybody to not think about what they're afflicted with and just have a chance to be kids and enjoy being kids through sports."
The cost to enter the 5K Walk/Run is $15. It will be held on June 28 at the Cannon Ridge Golf Course at 8 a.m.
Carden Hedelt: 540/374-5440
Email: sports@freelancestar.com