The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
In 1988, Elizabeth Glaser started a movement that has since yielded the near-elimination of pediatric HIV infection in different high-income countries. Since 2000, the EGPAF has broadened access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in areas of the world that are deeply affected by HIV and Aids. EGPAF works closely with local governments, ministries of health, and local organizations to spread their message. EGPAF strives to achieve their goal by strengthening health systems and integrating HIV services with primary health care services. EGPAF currently works in 15 countries, 13 of those being in Africa.
Elizabeth’s Story
Elizabeth contracted HIV in a blood transfusion in 1981 while giving birth to her daughter; she unknowingly passed the virus on to her daughter through breast milk and to her son in utero. Elizabeth and her husband soon realized that the only prevention treatments for HIV were for adults. Elizabeth’s daughter, Ariel, lost her battle with AIDS in 1988. In the hopes of preventing the same outcome for her son, Elizabeth decided to take action. After rallying the support of friends, President Reagan, representatives at NIH, and members of Congress, the Foundation was able to have its first fundraiser and was awarded its first grant for research in 1989. Elizabeth died in 1994. To honor her legacy and hard work, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation was renamed to the EGPAF. It is now the leading global nonprofit organization that is dedicated to prevent pediatric HIV infection. Elizabeth’s son, Jake, carries her legacy as he is now a healthy young adult.
AEPhi’s Role
Founded in 1909, Alpha Epsilon Phi is a sorority known to foster lifelong friendships and promote community service. Co-Founders Elizabeth Glaser and Susie Zeegen pledged AEPhi while students at the University of Wisconsin and University of Southern California respectively – and today, across the country, the young women of AEPhi carry on Elizabeth’s legacy by raising awareness on their campuses and donating much-needed funds in support of the mothers, children, and families helped by EGPAF.
Elizabeth’s Story
Elizabeth contracted HIV in a blood transfusion in 1981 while giving birth to her daughter; she unknowingly passed the virus on to her daughter through breast milk and to her son in utero. Elizabeth and her husband soon realized that the only prevention treatments for HIV were for adults. Elizabeth’s daughter, Ariel, lost her battle with AIDS in 1988. In the hopes of preventing the same outcome for her son, Elizabeth decided to take action. After rallying the support of friends, President Reagan, representatives at NIH, and members of Congress, the Foundation was able to have its first fundraiser and was awarded its first grant for research in 1989. Elizabeth died in 1994. To honor her legacy and hard work, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation was renamed to the EGPAF. It is now the leading global nonprofit organization that is dedicated to prevent pediatric HIV infection. Elizabeth’s son, Jake, carries her legacy as he is now a healthy young adult.
AEPhi’s Role
Founded in 1909, Alpha Epsilon Phi is a sorority known to foster lifelong friendships and promote community service. Co-Founders Elizabeth Glaser and Susie Zeegen pledged AEPhi while students at the University of Wisconsin and University of Southern California respectively – and today, across the country, the young women of AEPhi carry on Elizabeth’s legacy by raising awareness on their campuses and donating much-needed funds in support of the mothers, children, and families helped by EGPAF.
Participating Sororities
Click each sorority below to read about their national philanthropies.
Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Delta Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Xi Delta Chi Omega Tri Delta Delta Gamma Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Kappa Gamma Kappa Delta Pi Beta Phi Sigma Delta Tau Zeta Tau Alpha Alpha Epsilon Phi
Click each sorority below to read about their national philanthropies.
Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Delta Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Xi Delta Chi Omega Tri Delta Delta Gamma Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Kappa Gamma Kappa Delta Pi Beta Phi Sigma Delta Tau Zeta Tau Alpha Alpha Epsilon Phi