Mary demonstrates her unique ways of creating original fabric by stamping and block printing. She uses these techniques to produce her African-themed quilts featured in her newly-published book ABATAK
victims, longing for our pity. People. Ready for support and worthy of compassion.” Fisher went on to create a support group for families and healthcare workers affected by AIDS, the Family AIDS Network. She was appointed to the National Commission on Aids by President George Bush and founded the Clinical AIDS Research and Education (CARE) Fund. Author of six books, her first memoir, My Name is Mary, was published in 1995. In 2011, Fisher was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she believes was linked to her HIV. In fact, The National Cancer Institute states that “people infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have a higher risk of some types of cancer” due in part to a weakened immune system. After a mastectomy and while receiving treatment for breast cancer, Fisher began writing her second memoir, MESSENGER, A Self Portrait, published in 2012, which focuses on her experiences with breast cancer. When I asked her if she was treated any differently when diagnosed with cancer as opposed to HIV, she said the differences were enormous. With cancer, people are sympathetic. They offer opinions and come out of the woodwork to tell you their story and give you as much care and help as they can. With AIDS, they are reluctant to show compassion. They want to know
how you got it, what you did wrong to get it, and they want to blame. She says the shame is strong and people often feel helpless and hopeless. That is why she continues her fight against the stigma of HIV and AIDS. As an artist, Fisher is well-known for her textiles, quilts, and sculptures. She says her books, speeches, and art help spread her message of hope and let people know they have the power to help others. She believes in the power of art and healing and today, at age 65, she continues her work as an activist, artist, and author and will be the keynote at AtlantiCare’s 10th Annual Women’s Health Signature Event on October 24. While her speech will focus on
her experiences with HIV and breast cancer, she wants to focus on the broad continuum of care and why women seek or do not seek care … reasons they get tested or not for HIV or cancer. She will talk about fear, self-care and access and how we live with outcome. She says, “It is really a matter of the choices we make. Do we quit, do we die? Do we see hope for a better day? Do we look for a way to help others and spread the message? I am hopeful that whenever I speak, I can reduce the stigma of HIV and show that this is a disease of not just men or gay men, but of human beings. All you have to do (to be at risk) is be human.” She is looking forward to speaking at the AtlantiCare event and sharing njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Fall 2013
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