Meghan Clout (r) and friend show off their smiles of approval at the Pasta4Patrick event Thursday. Patrick Fortin was a gutsy young man who put a face to AIDS in North Bay.
Meghan Clout (r) and friend show off their smiles of approval at the Pasta4Patrick event Thursday.Patrick Fortin was a gutsy young man who put a face to AIDS in North Bay.
Those who were closest to the sweet brave young man described him as a happy child and young adult, who never complained, never let his faith waiver, and even in the darkest days of an unforgiving illness would look for harmony in life.
He contracted HIV at the age of seven through tainted blood products, and he decided not to be bitter with the situation, instead, in the adversity of a disease that is laced with stigma Fortin, with the support of his family, stared HIV/AIDS in the eyes, stood his ground publicly and started educating everyone about the disease that ravaged his body and forever changed the lives of his family, friends and community.
“Patrick was passionate and eager, insightful and caring. Forever an optimist he radiated with a love of life and it spilled over to affect everyone he knew. Patrick loved to laugh, and he loved to share laughter, he carried his pain and sorrow though like a valiant knight ... stoic, accepting and hopeful and so brave,” his Mother Christine Fortin tells a group of Youth4Youth students.
“As a child he humbled us with his positive outlook and he never did change his course ... I am a long term survivor he’d say with pride and determination.”
Patrick lived with the HIV/AIDS virus for 17 years and would miss one third to one half of the school year due to illness and trips for specialist appointments; sadly he lost his battle eight years ago on November 8th. But his cause didn’t stop, his family picked up the torch and launched the Patrick4Life Foundation and in turn Jerri Clout the foundation’s youth ambassador appealed to her pears and the spin off group Youth4Youth began.
The Youth4Youth mission is to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS to youth in the community with the goal of informing youth that HIV and AIDS is here and now, that there is no cure - it kills ... enforcing the fact that HIV and AIDS is 100% preventable. Their vision is that youth worldwide will save lives by spreading the truth, not the virus.
This past Thursday the youth group took an opportunity to mark AIDS Awareness week by hosting the Pasta4Patrick event. Each high school in the city participated by serving dinner, making the desserts and providing the evening’s talent. Not only was it an evening to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS but the students also raised funds in support of both the Grandmothers to Grandmothers and Youth4Youth/Patrick4Life AIDS Service Organizations.
Christine Fortin said Patrick always wanted to know what his purpose in life was and by seeing the youth of North Bay take action his purpose is being fulfilled.
“Being here today I know that Patrick’s short life has tremendous purpose all of you here in this room tonight are the ones fulfilling it. Today is a day of peace, of oneness, a day of celebration. You are talking about HIV and AIDS ... your words and your actions will save lives.”
Youth4Youth leader Lauren Isenegger agreed telling the group of 150 students and their parents that one person’s action starts making a difference, and that the proof was in the numbers that attended the event.
Youth ambassadors meet regularly to discuss ways to raise HIV and AIDS awareness through an inclusive and welcoming committee. Youth4Youth supports all initiatives put forth by its parent organization Patrick4Life.
To become involved email Isenegger at:
[email protected].
