Every time a big event - like PASSPORT or the A.I.D.S. Walk - rolls around each year, I am inclined to recall the compassionate efforts of Elizabeth Taylor on behalf of the cause.
Last fall, Elizabeth was honored with a Humanitarian Award by Macy's for her courageous AIDS activism, at a glittering gala event.
Although the much-anticipated event attracted a bevy of beautiful models, A-list stars, and Hollywood's power elite, it was Ms. Taylor - the mega star - who knocked the crowd dead when she appeared on stage in a coffee-coloured gold-sequinned Naeem Kahn gown and a stunning collection of dazzling diamonds consisting of fifty carats in all.
The legendary star was presented the award for her tireless devotion to the A.I.D.S. cause which has raised millions for research and delivered up much-needed aid for those suffering from the disease.
I vividly recall the day a few scant years ago when a room-mate directed my attention to a two-line report in one of the local throw-away newspapers about a mysterious "cancer-like" disease which appeared to be striking young gay men.
Within a year, newspaper headlines around the globe were screaming about a widespread "gay plague", which had been given a curious name by the medical community: "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome".
In the early days of the outbreak, there was a lot of hysteria.
The country was rampant with fear, overcome by widespread panic, and at a loss to comprehend the complexity of the issues.
Initially, because the causes for contracting the virus were relatively unknown - and so little was known about the deadly intruder - those stricken with the disease were shunned.
The paranoia was so great - that even life-long friends and cherished family members - were afraid to hug or kiss the bodies of the afflicted.
The ignorance was astounding.
The United States government further shocked a disbelieving medical community when they stepped into the fray; in a bold-faced effort to "curb the disease", they implemented a ban on any individual who tested positive for HIV from entering the country.
Injustice and troubling discrimination were the order of the day.
On the sidelines, I struggled to boost the morale of those around me, infected with the deadly virus.
One long-time friend was so afraid of being found "out" that he stored his AZT in vitamin bottles - prompted by the disturbing thought that on a trip to the bathroom - a friend or neighbor might happen upon the evidence of his infection in the medicine cabinet.
Others were so terrified of being spied in the waiting room of an HIV specialist's office - that they travelled miles outside of the city for medical care - where they were faceless and unknown.
One neighbor made a pact with his doctor to have his prescriptions mailed by the U.S. Post to avoid physically appearing in the busy clinic office
The stigma of A.I.D.S. was far-reaching and frightening.
As I reflect on the issue, I am flooded with many painful memories.
One week, a pal might be healthy, then - the next - appear gaunt.
If anyone was caught off-guard and inadvertently stared at him - like a cornered animal - he would defensively swear up-and-down that he had the flu (so mortified was he at the thought of being "found out").
And, for many, there were the unexpected middle-of-the-night emergency trips to the hospital to halt a nasty bout of pneumonia - or suppress some unknown invader attacking the immune system - brought on by a host of opportunistic infections.
One known actor - who appeared in a film about drug smuggling - was so concerned that Hollywood industry-insiders might catch wind of his infection that he passed on treatment.
Although there were medicines available to prolong the young man's life, sadly - because of the trauma of dealing with the circumstances - he was incapable of reaching out for any physical, moral or spiritual support.
I recall with disgust that a model - known for his breathtaking looks and manly physique - was quickly abandoned by casting agents and theatrical reps when his ravaged body first showed signs of the effects of the disease.
It was heart-wrenching to witness the disturbing demise of a person in the harsh throes of the initial discrimination in the early days of the outbreak of the disease in this country.
First hand, I also witnessed the horrors of the killer disease.
One day as I walked into my agent's office, he confided in me that he had tested positive for HIV.
After reading reams of data on the subject, I tried to coach him on the need to reduce his stress levels, eat a proper diet, commence with available drugs to combat the virus, and make an all-out constructive effort to take rein on his life.
Unfortunately, he was unable to manage his own self-care in any capacity.
He drew up his will, and was resigned to die, in spite of my urgent protests.
In the final stages of his illness, I'd appear at his bedside each day to hold his hand and give comfort to his weary body, all the while inwardly praying for a miracle.
In the last days, it was heart-wrenching to witness his faculties wane by the second.
Only after the pain became unbearable, and a morphine drip was administered, did he finally find peace after his gentle spirit slipped away from us.
Yes, the early days of the A.I.D.S. epidemic were shocking, heartbreaking, and discouraging.
In fact, it was not until it was revealed that Rock Hudson was dying from A.I.D.S., that the world became painfully aware that the virus did not discriminate - and that it could strike anyone - man, woman, or child.
At this juncture, Ms. Taylor stepped in and began to fight for the cause.
Initially - when Taylor called old friends and business associates for financial contributions, telephones were slammed down on her ear - she recalled at the gala with a bad taste in her mouth.
If anyone had a lot to lose in pursuing the ugly task, it was Taylor.
The celebrated actress first arrived in Hollywood several decades ago when her father, an art dealer, opened a gallery in Beverly Hills.
No doubt, this is how the connoisseur of fine paintings was introduced to her first love: Art.
With the nurturing support of her loving parents - in a few short years - Ms. Taylor was under contract with Universal Studios.
When Universal Studios dropped her contract, she signed on with MGM.
She first captured America's hearts in classic films like "Lassie Come Home" and "National Velvet" (in which she co-starred with Mickey Rooney).
Mature roles followed; for example, she starred with William Powell and Irene Dunne in the perennial favorite, "LIFE WITH FATHER".
Then, she snapped up roles in "Rhapsody", "Beau Brummel", and "The Last Time I saw Paris".
Over the years, Ms. Taylor honed her craft, won the respect of the industry, and proceeded to nab Oscars for memorable performances in "Butterfield 8" and the film adaptation of Edward Albee's thought-provoking stage drama, "Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf".
Her personal life was just as glamorous and exciting!
Elizabeth Taylor's first marriage was to the dashing Hotel heir - Nicky Hilton - on May 6 (my birthday) at the tender age of 18.
Although the two were a handsome couple, the union was later annulled on grounds of mental cruelty.
Later, Elizabeth found true love when her paths crossed with film producer, Michael Todd. Although the union appeared to be headed towards domestic bliss, tragedy struck.
Originally, Taylor was to fly with Todd on a promotional tour for - "Around the World in 80 days" - but the young beauty was forced to convalesce at home due to a serious bout of the flu.
Later that night, the plane crashed; sadly, Todd was killed.
In the consoling arms of dear friend, Eddie Fisher, Ms. Taylor stumbled on passion once again.
However, there was one hitch: the famed crooner was married to America's girl-next-door, Debbie Reynolds.
Amid scandalous headlines, and the scorn of the American public, Taylor and Fisher were married.
That short-lived romance was doomed to fail because of a twist of fate no one - not even Ms. Taylor - could anticipate.
When Ms. Taylor was offered the role of Cleopatra, she was not interested in the part, originally.
On a lark, she informed the studio that she would accept the role, if she was paid the whopping sum of $1,000,000.00
Her jaw dropped when the answer came back from the studio: sign on the dotted line, please!
Suddenly, Ms. Taylor had the distinction of being the highest paid actress in Hollywood, the first to crack a salary in the six-figure-range in Tinseltown.
It turned out to be a deal more than she bargained for.
On the set, Elizabeth met and fell in love with gutsy Richard Burton, in spite of the fact each were betrothed to another.
Ms. Taylor was suddenly crowned the dubious title of most notorious seductress in the world!
To complicate matters, the production of Cleopatra was hindered with delays, setbacks, and sluggish, behind-the-scenes dramas.
The most costly film of the modern day ended up a surefire bomb at the box office!
Only in recent years has the studio recovered the losses.
Liz and Dick (as they'd come to be known) went on their merry way - the toast of the International Jet set - sipping on vintage champagne, munching on Beluga caviar, and cruising throughout exotic locales on luxury yachts.
The tempestuous fights were legendary.
But, the vulgar fabulous jewels Burton gifted her with, more eye-popping.
Only Elizabeth could manage to escape the curse of the 33.19-carat Asscher-cut Krupp diamond her insatiable lover gifted her with in 1968.
After they divorced ( twice) Elizabeth floundered - not only in her professional life - but in her personal sphere, as well.
And, the subject of her weight became fodder for comics on the nightclub circuit.
Was the most beautiful woman in the world becoming a national joke?
About the time one wondered what would become of her, Mr. Hudson's crisis galvanized her into action.
Clearly, Ms. Taylor needed a cause, or a direction in life, to put her on the path again and out of harm's way.
Her goal was clear: to find a cure and put an end to discrimination.
In addition, she engaged in a bold-faced compassionate effort to bring solace and comfort to those suffering with the disease, until those ends could be accomplished.
Through her arduous efforts, a spotlight was thrown on the dark corners of the epidemic.
And to her great surprise, supporters sprang from all quarters, to stand by her side in the fight against the killer virus.
Money was not only raised to fund vital research - but also provide hospital care, life-prolonging drugs, and out-patient health-care services for A.I.D.S. patients - who could ill-afford them.
Through her tireless efforts (and those of a handful of others just as dedicated) A.I.D.S. is now a manageable disease in North America.
Unfortunately, this is not so in third-world countries.
In spite of the wealth of the world, that goal has yet to be attained.
Is it within our grasp?
In my humble opinion - there is no reason today for any mother or child in Africa (or elsewhere for that matter) - to suffer, be denied access to emergency medical care, or die before their life expectancy.
Now, the fight must move stridently beyond these shores, to ensure aid is provided in developing nations.
It is my unfailing belief that we are each a part of the whole.
And thus - it stands to good reason - that we are only as healthy as the total of all parts.
Until A.I.D.S is under control worldwide, we remain unhealthy as a whole in the global community.
And so, the fight must continue.
And it can, due to the remarkable works of individuals, like Ms. Taylor.
Ms. Taylor has often been referred to as the last great Hollywood star.
Let's hope she remains in our galaxy for quite some time - shining brightly - so that we may bask in the reflected glow of her dazzling healing light.
And in the process, inspire each and every one of us to take up the cause, to lessen her burden and that of others.
