Evelyn Farha, who took over leadership of the HIV/AIDS foundation started by her son Ron after his death in July 1993, has died at the age of 92.
The Farha Foundation — which merged with the Fondation Québécoise du SIDA last year — was best known for its annual walkathon, called Ça Marche, which for more than two decades raised millions of dollars for HIV and AIDS research.
Ron Farha, a Montreal businessman, created the event just before his death. At an outdoor launch event in May 1993, he caught a cold which his weakened immune system wasn't able to fight off. He died of pneumonia two months later at the age of 36.
Evelyn Farha took over the organization at a time when HIV/AIDS was widely considered a death sentence. New medications have greatly extended the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS, but Farha insisted to fight for a cure as her ultimate goal.
She also continued to educate people about HIV and AIDS, in schools, and on the street.