“I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille,” Robin joked as she prepared to tell her story on camera. “I am so thankful for Casa Madona and I want other people to know about it.”
This was a special opportunity for Robin to spread the word about Casa Madona, one of Alliance for Housing and Healing’s four group homes that provide 24/7 care in a comfortable, welcoming setting. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, a generous funder, is making a short film about its work and Ms. Taylor’s wonderful legacy. The film will feature Robin and Casa Madoña to show the AIDS epidemic’s devastation and how the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation is making a difference.
A native Californian, Robin had a successful career as a customer service representative at a number of high profile corporations, including JPL. Her life took a turn for the worse when she was diagnosed with HIV, divorced, and found herself alone in a mobile home that she could no longer afford. She was arrested for living in a park and gave her sister’s name to the police. Reunited with her family in court, Robin moved in with one sister, then the other. Neither situation was welcoming. “They made me use a designated set of silverware. They were frightened and ignorant.”
“At Casa Madona
my disease is secondary,” saya Robin. “Everyone here welcomes me with open arms. The staff really cares about us. To them, this is not just a job. To me, it is my life.”
Robin has been at Casa Madona just over a year and hopes to eventually regain her independence.
“I am grateful to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and others who make this possible.” Robin said as she looked around, past the camera, and toward her future.
