Taylor has been a dedicated advocate for AIDS patients since the early days of the epidemic, but it was the steady decline and eventual death of her good friend and former co-star Rock Hudson that galvanized her fight against the disease. The emerging prevalence of the virus and the public's reaction to the illness prompted Taylor to become a outspoken supporter of the rights of AIDS victims in the court of public opinion, research centers, and the U.S. legislature. Today, her advocacy and fundraising efforts continue through amfAR as well as The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Deborah Hernan, vice president of Communications for amfAR, discusses the organization, and the role Elizabeth Taylor has played and continues to play in the ongoing battle against the deadly disease. We also have a global initiative, because, obviously, the epidemic is global.
More involvement has to be there as well.
When Elizabeth Taylor stood up for this cause, no one else was standing up for this cause. And with the West coast contingent, there was a connection with Rock Hudson. And of course, Rock Hudson was someone that Elizabeth cared for very dearly. I think it has been enormously positive. The fact that such a beloved star, an internationally acclaimed actress, would stand up for this cause and be associated with it, did enormous things in terms of recognition, in terms of its importance in terms of fundraising.