Fiesta Sol Helps TJ AIDS Hospice

By Paul Sánchez

Early one Saturday morning last autumn, a small group of men and women came together at The Wall-Las Memorias office in Highland Park; some were friends, most were strangers but we showed up eager to share the generosity of our time, hearts and spirit, and volunteer for a day at the Casa Hogar Las Memorias, Tijuana’s only AIDS hospice. 

Vamanos!  Off to Mexico we went with an F-150 truck filled the rim with toiletries, medicines, clothing and other necessities the hospice could use or needed.

Located on a dirt road in the Morita (poorest part of Tijuana), the Casa Hogar Las Memorias serves as refuge and provides beds for up to 50 adults and 10 children living with HIV; Offering men, women, and children a safe place to live, get healthy, or quietly pass away with dignity. From reasons of poverty, being uninsured, or rejected by loves ones, the hospice doors are open to anyone, and has become a lavender-painted oasis for many who have no where else to go. Since it opened in 1998, more than 2000 HIV-positive people have found their way to its front door. But Casa Hogar Las Memorias is more than a hospice; it is home where the sick and homeless discover that they are not alone.

Once the goods were unloaded, we split up on separate journeys. Some of us took a tour of the facility; others continued to unpack supplies, a few helped clean rooms. 

Hospice Director Antonio Granillo handed out donated clothes like Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, and everyone clapped and smiled. One gentleman pulled out a pair of brightly-colored zebra stripped balloon pants, lifting them up to his waist to see how they looked. “Hammer Time!” yelled one of his friends. He laughed, beaming a bright smile that was one tooth short. It did not matter to him about the color or style, he was grateful for the gift.

Eventually we found ourselves sitting down together around the kitchen table talking, joking, laughing, or just holding hands. We shared stories about our families, our childhoods and work. We told jokes, played cards and drank lemonade. Strangers were now old friends.

The day’s suns quickly slide behind the hills, it was time to leave. We hugged good-byes. The “Cuidates,” came deep from our hearts. Two little ones pulled me aside. Whispering in my ear, he asked me if I could bring him a truck, she would like princess coloring books. “Next time,” I promised.

Yes, one Saturday morning, a group of men and women came to together; we became friends sharing our time, hearts and compassion. And just by showing up - we made a difference. We look forward to doing it again and again.

Fiesta Sol Pool Party benefits The Wall-Las Memorias and their effort to support Casa Hogar Las Memorias pay for food, medication, bills, supplies and other necessities. This year’s event is Saturday, August 25th. Beer, margaritas, food will be served, and music by local DJs: For event or ticket information, call (323)257-1056 x33! Or visit www.myspace.com/fiestasol.