My Brother, Fabrice.
A letter from Simplefill’s co-founder, Brigitte Steibel.
On July 30, 1998, my brother Fabrice died from the AIDS virus. He was a fashion designer and artist.
At the age of 25 Fabrice had already started his own design company. Worldwide recognition came in the 1980’s when he was named Essence magazine’s Black Designer of the year, honored with the Coty Award as well as the CFDA. In 1985 the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre awarded his achievement for creating provocative, seductive and dazzling evening gowns. Fabrice’s creations were featured in fashion magazines, books, record and CD covers, TV shows and movies. The media declared his designs as wearable art!
When Fabrice died The New York Time wrote half a page Obituary honoring his accomplishments.
I was my brother’s caretaker. I would watch my brother take up to 35 pills a day. It was called a cocktail and it did a poor job controlling the progression of the HIV virus. Today the HIV virus can be treated by taking 1 pill a day.
Due to medical research and a much better understanding of the syndrome, many patients who are inflicted with the HIV virus can live a very long and happy life. The FDA recently approved Prezcobix and Genvoya. Both of these are combination drugs that have seen positive results in the treatment of HIV infection. There is still no cure for AIDS, but strict adherence to anti-retroviral regimens (ARVs) can significantly slow the disease’s progress and prevent secondary infections and complications.
This is all fantastic news but there is still a high price to the available medications. Many patients find it unaffordable.
I am dedicated to making sure I do whatever I can to help patients find ways to afford their treatment. Whether that be patient assistance programs or funding through available foundations. It is too late for my brother, Fabrice, to benefit from the new approved drugs, but it’s not too late for you.
Give Simplefill a call if you are having difficulty affording your co-pays. We truly understand what you have been through.
1-877-386-0206
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