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April 29, 2005/Nisan 20 5765, Volume 57, No. 35
Attorney raises awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention
TAMI BICKLEY
Special to Jewish News
Most organizations strive to stick around forever.
But Martin Katz would like Body Positive to one day "close its doors," because such a move, he explains, would reflect an end to HIV/AIDS - the Valley organization's ultimate wish.
But as the disease continues to take thousands of lives each year and affect many more people worldwide, Body Positive's only plans right now are to continue researching preventative drugs and a cure and educating the public, therefore preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Katz, a Phoenix-based attorney for more than 20 years with Stegall, Katz & Whitaker, joined Body Positive in its infancy in 1994. Since then, he has witnessed and helped the organization evolve and flourish, he says. In recognition of his work with Body Positive, Katz will receive the organization's Outstanding Achievement Award at its 10th annual Night for Life fund-raising event Saturday, May 7, at the Phoenician Resort.
"This award means a lot to me because it exemplifies (how far) the organization has come," Katz says. "I accept the award on behalf of the agency ... I am just one individual among a very cohesive, strong board that really rolls up its sleeves and gets involved."
Katz served on Body Positive's executive committee and board of directors from 1994 to 2004 and was chairman of the board from 2002 to 2004.
"(Katz) has been instrumental in the growth of Body Positive over the past 10 years," says Michelle Barker, associate executive director of Body Positive. "He has a true compassion and caring for people with HIV."
Originally from Detroit, Katz, 49, moved to Phoenix in 1984 to work for his current law firm concentrating on personal injury, family law, employment and estate planning. In addition, he volunteered as an attorney to work with the Arizona AIDS Project and lead a pro-bono clinic. He is a member of the American Jewish Committee and the Human Rights Campaign.
Throughout his career, Katz has represented people living with HIV/AIDS in a variety of situations, including insurance litigation, medical malpractice cases, discrimination and medical claims.
When he first learned of Body Positive, his passion for helping those with the disease prompted him to join the organization.
"Everyone at some point in his or her life will have a family member or friend who will be living with this disease," he says.
He points to statistics that show eight U.S. teens contract HIV every day. In Arizona, approximately 22,000 people live with HIV/AIDS.
In an effort to both prevent and cure the disease, Body Positive has established one of the largest clinical trial sites in the Southwest, says Katz. In the trial programs, 18 out of 25 drugs to prevent or treat HIV/AIDS have been studied. The trials have also allowed for testing of preventative vaccines. And for those who cannot afford the pricey drugs currently on the market, the organization has supplied $6 million worth of drugs cost-free to Valley residents, Katz says.
"I knew of people in the 1990s who had AIDS, and because of finances, they could fly to (other places) and get cutting-edge services," he explains. "People who do not have the money should not be denied benefits."
Body Positive is a United Way recipient. Approximately 85 percent of proceeds are used for services, such as public education about HIV/AIDS, Katz says. Outreach individuals visit ethnic communities to educate women about HIV/AIDS. Youths trained in the Positive Peer Prevention program meet with and inform other youths in the community.
"We would like to believe that people will come to us, but that's not the case," Katz says. Fund-raising events, such as an annual home tour, and Night for Life, help provide services. Last year, Night for Life raised $500,000. This year, 1,200 guests are expected.
"Growing up Jewish, I was raised on the importance of giving back," recalls Katz. "Body Positive has provided me with the vehicle to give back and make a difference."
Tami Bickley is a freelance writer in Fountain Hills.
Details
- What: 10th annual Night for Life
- Who: Body Positive
- When: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 7:45 p.m. reception and silent auction; 8 p.m. dinner.
- Where: The Phoenician Resort, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
- Tickets: $300
- Call: 602-307-5330 or visit www.phoenixbodypositive.org.
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