World AIDS Day - Honoring Role of Michael Shower - Robert Cohen shares a message from his sister

From Robert Cohen

I had no idea — or recollection — that he had originated the idea of a yearly World AIDS Day. Very moving.


From Michelle Proctor

Today is the 35th anniversary of Worlds Aids Day, a significant and ground breaking acknowledgement of the collective recognition of a world wide pandemic resulting in an unbelievable loss of life and contributions to society.

Are you aware that the idea belonged to, originated with, Michael Shower, and that his devotion to its concept and his dedication to establishing the event are responsible for its continued importance 35 years later? 

Michael’s efforts are the reason World AIDS Day is recognized today—a pretty amazing accomplishment. Today’s news broadcasts are acknowledgment of his remarkable foresight.

I have a VHS TAPE AND DVD of the ceremony at the UN General Assembly at the inauguration of the event. Michael delivers a very personal address to UN Secretary Javier de Cuellar and other dignitaries. If anyone is interested in viewing the ceremony I will be happy to forward a copy to you. Although the tapes are recorded in the UN archives, I am not sure how to access/link them directly.

Keep his memory and purpose alive in your hearts.

A reminder sent with love, Michelle

Exhibition Opens at the UN Marking the First World AIDS Day 1 December 1988

 © ID UN7684272

From Michael Shower's obituary in the NY Times in April 1994

"Michael S. Shower, a senior adviser at the United Nations Children's Fund, died on Friday at his home in Manhattan. He was 44.

The cause was AIDS, said his sister, Michelle Proctor.

As the counselor to Unicef's executive director, Mr. Shower helped plan efforts to help reduce children's diseases in many countries.

Mr. Shower helped organize and manage the World Summit for Children, a two-day meeting at the United Nations in 1990 at which representatives of 159 countries endorsed a plan to improve the health of youngsters.

Mr. Shower joined Unicef in 1980 as a financial officer and in 1989 became a counselor to the executive director. In 1988 he also promoted displays of the Names Project Quilt at the first World AIDS Day at the United Nations. He was involved in other activities to assist AIDS patients and was a board member of the Human Rights Campaign Fund."