User:Sancho2323/Mary Fisher (activist)

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-Include "Activist" with her occupations (already added in)

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Activist:
Fisher decided to be open about her HIV status, and after the Detroit Free Press published her story in February 1992, she was invited to speak at the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas. There, she urged the Republican Party to handle the AIDS crisis and those living with HIV with compassion in her speech, "A Whisper of Aids." In 1995, The New York Times credited Fisher, along with Elizabeth Glaser, who spoke on her experience with AIDS at the 1992 Democratic National Convention, with having "brought AIDS home to America." Fisher's Republican convention speech was listed as #50 in American Rhetoric's Top 100 Speeches of the 20th Century (listed by rank). '''"A Whisper of AIDS" address has been featured in rhetoric texts including the framed Chambers Book of Speeches. '''

Fisher's international work has focused on Africa and especially Zambia and Rwanda, where she has led fact-finding tours and has promoted income-generation projects to employ HIV-positive women. She has taught African women to create handmade jewelry which is then sold online and in U.S. galleries, with profits returned to the women artisans.

In 1999, Fisher made news when she, like some other HIV-positive people, decided to stop taking anti-HIV medications when she felt were hurting her quality of life. '''Fisher was convinced that the hostile effects of these medications were not only disrupting her own life but also impacting the well-being of her own family as well, preventing all of them from leading fulfilling lives. Despite these challenges that she faces, Fisher remains under the vigilant care of her physician. She undergoes regular monthly testing to carefully track the level of the virus persisting in her bloodstream, in addition with the status of her immune cells. This diligent monitoring on Fisher underscores her commitment to managing her health condition effectively and making certain that she can continue to prioritize her responsibilities as a parent for her children.'''

Art and design:
'''Fisher's 1GD bracelet design was inspired by Thomas Morgans organization called "100 Good Deeds." The 100 Good Deeds collections goals is to inspire any acts of kindness. Fisher's 1GD bracelet can be purchased on the 100GoodDeeds organization website. These sales have created additional employment for vulnerable women in Africa'''.

Author:
Fisher is the author of six books: An autobiography called My Name is Mary: A Memoir which illustrates the story of her life from childhood, to divorce, learning she has contracted HIV from ex husband, alcoholism, and her goal to spread knowledge of Aids to the world . ; Angels in Our Midst, a photographic tribute to AIDS caregivers; ABATAKA, a collection of her 'AIDS-themed and African-influenced arts works; two books containing transcripts of speeches, Sleep With the Angels and I'll Not Go Quietly and in 2012, Messenger: A Self-Portrait (Greenleaf Book Group, Austin, Texas) which is a memoir which touches on her elderly years as well.

Fisher's autobiography, My Name is Mary: A Memoir, was praised by President Ford and Larry Kramer .

References:
https://art.state.gov/personnel/mary_fisher/

https://www.maryfisher.com/