May 30, 2008
DICK GLOVER DIES AT AGE 70
Alabama RV park
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Dick Glover with Silvia and Caleb at Disneyland (photo credit: Valerie Sarmiento) |
Dick Glover, 70, adoptive father of Caleb, the HIV-positive toddler who was discriminated against at Wales West RV Resort in Alabama, died Sunday of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. When Caleb was denied entry to the pools and showers at Wales West in July, Glover and his wife, Silvia exposed the stigma against their then-2-year-old foster child, raising awareness of how HIV is transmitted and energizing HIV-positive activists across the country. Before his death, Glover testified before a judge as part of a possible federal Justice Department lawsuit against Wales West.
Glover, who fostered more than 60 children during his lifetime, was described in POZ as an "accidental activist." He only wanted his son to be treated like his HIV-negative peers.
"Little Caleb, he was innocent as can be. It was not his fault he was born with AIDS," Glover told Good Morning America in July.
The Glovers' appearance on GMA informed Campaign to End AIDS (C2EA) activists of Caleb's plight. On Labor Day, C2EA brought dozens of HIV-positive activists from around the country to the pool in Alabama from which Caleb had been banned for a peaceful swim. Dick was unable to attend the event, but his committment to justice was there in spirit.
"Dick Glover's willingness to stand against stigma and discrimination made him a true AIDS warrior," said C2EA national organizer Larry Bryant.
Those who met Glover were immediately touched by his kindness. "He was genuine, down-to-earth and a true gentleman," said Brian Hodes, who was touched by the Glovers' story and organized a fundraiser that brought the Glovers to Disneyland in March. On Sunday Hodes will begin AIDS LifeCycle, a 700-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, where he and a caravan of riders have for months planned to ride in honor of Caleb and against discrimination that people with HIV/AIDS face. And now, Hodes said, "we'll be riding in Dick's memory as well."