Christie

This story is dear to me as a woman, a mother, a public health worker and a filmmaker. Almost 4 years ago, after working with AIDS research for many years, I joint 'Christie's Place', a nonprofit organization in San Diego for volunteer work with families affected by HIV/AIDS. That's when I learned about Christie's story whose vision inspired Irene Milton to found this organization in 1996, two years after Christie's death. Irene and Christie were best friends, especially after Christie's family abandoned her once they learned about the diagnosis. Even when Christie and her husband were sick, she and Irene helped other women and families by creating a model of mutual cooperation, empowerment and help to deal with the disease in late 80's/early 90's in the beginning of the epidemics ... although they had no idea they were creating something extraordinary in a time of crisis. I feel that this film, although short, captured the core of their stories and their fight for health care, dignity and community awareness. This film has no promotional intent for the non profit organization having that the story is focused on Christie, her family, the disease and her friendship with Irene. My sincere intention is that the film generates a discussion on the impact of this disease on families in addition to bringing discussion on the need of programs to support families and women affected by HIV/AIDS. The epidemics and stigma seem to be problems from the past, but I don't think that's the case when I know for instance that around 65% of women who know their HIV status in San Diego, CA are not in health care and that there are few programs that support them. And these problems still need discussion and change.