Race to stamp out killer virus gathers speed

All attention was focused on Richard Brodsky, 56, and wife Jodi, 54, as they raced down the tarmac in the mid-morning heat towards the finish line.

They were not the winners of 42-kilometre Kisumu World Aids Marathon, but the New Yorkers hold a special place in the hearts of many. They have been taking part in the marathon since 2005 as sponsors and as participants.

The couple was moved to sponsor the event after Richard was diagnosed 11 years ago with the Aids causing virus. In 1997, Richard had to tell his wife Jodi that he had contracted HIV from another man.

Remains negative

And although many women would have chosen to end their marriages, Jodi chose to stay. She remains negative, making them one of the longest surviving discordant couples. She tests every three months, she says.

Richard chronicled this experience in his 2002 book, Jodi: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told. “It was a gift to Jodi for keeping our family together and a plea to get Aids medicine,” says Richard.

Jodi describes the period after Richard’s disclosure of his HIV status: “It was not easy. Richard was the breadwinner.”

In 2002, Richard, a father of three daughters, was diagnosed with brain cancer (not related to his HIV), for which he underwent radiation treatment that appears to have been successful.

Initially, doctors told him that he could not live beyond 2002, but he has defied all odds to mitigate the ravages of HIV in poverty-plagued Sub-Saharan Africa groaning under 11 million Aids orphans.

In 2003, Richard took part in the New York Marathon and the idea of sponsoring a similar one was born.

The architect turned author finally found the role of his life: being president of the foundation that bears his name — the Richard M Brodsky Foundation.

“People ask why we do what we are doing for Africa, but we know the challenge of HIV is more pronounced here than the US,” says Richard. He adds that he picked Kenya because the country has better athletes.

The first of the marathons was held in Mbita in 2004, and the proceeds funded the 2005 ground breaking for the 50-bed Little Lambs Aids Orphanage in Nakuru.

He moved the race to Kisumu in 2005 and confesses that since then the sound of the starter’s gun heralds a fresh beginning towards realising a dream.

Today, in Kisumu, the foundation and the couple’s presence at the races embody the hope of many orphans, widows and others living with HIV.

“We kept our story secret but always believed some day we would tell it,” says Richard. “Being HIV-positive had not taken away my energy; I ran my fastest marathon after I was diagnosed. What eventually slowed me down was a broken shoulder, age and brain cancer — probably in that order,” he states.

Says Richard: “If running marathons will help convince our government and world leaders that two million people need not die of Aids every year, then I pray that God gives me strength to continue running marathons.”

He goes on: “Let’s just get the Aids medicine to people living with HIV all over the world. Let’s make sure clean drinking water and adequate, nutritious food is available for the medicine to be effective.”

Jodi says of their mission: “We are very passionate about running with a mission to promote global awareness.”

Their efforts have caught the eyes of many, including President-elect Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Tedd Kennedy and retired South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

On June 1, 2007, Mr Obama wrote to Richard stating his admiration for his efforts and refers to the HIV test he (Obama) took with wife Michelle in Kenya during his 2006 visit.

“This is just a quick note to encourage you to keep up your work in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” wrote Mr Obama.

“Working with people who suffer from this disease and other victims such as Aids orphans is truly one of the best ways to serve mankind and I encourage you to keep it up.”

And this year’s marathon could not have been better for the couple with Mama Sarah Obama, Mr Obama’s paternal grandmother flagging off the race.

“It was wonderful meeting her and seeing that she’s pretty strong,” remarked Richard while Jodi, equally thrilled commented, “We could not believe that we were meeting the lady after reading a lot of her in the American press.”