RNAO expresses its deepest sorrow following the passing of Stephen Lewis

Among his many accomplishments, Stephen Lewis - former politician, diplomat, humanitarian and social justice activist - was deeply influential in raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic that swept through many African nations and resulted in countless lives lost.

Not long after his appointment as UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Lewis together with his daughter Ilana Landsberg-Lewis created the Stephen Lewis Foundation in 2003 with the aim of raising funds for grassroots community organizations to ensure medications for those who needed care, as well as food and other resources for orphaned children and those left to care for them.

RNAO and its members were part of those fundraising efforts participating in the foundation’s Give A Day and Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaigns.

Lewis had a deep and abiding respect and appreciation for nurses and our work. “I love the nursing profession and I’ve learned to honour nurses,” he said describing their work in the clinics and hospitals in various African countries he visited as part of his advocacy.

In 2007, RNAO awarded honourary memberships to Stephen Lewis and his wife, journalist and author Michele Landsberg, at its Annual General Meeting.

RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun said, “Lewis made a profound impact on the lives of so many people during his lifetime. His dedication to progressive social change, health equity and advocacy for vulnerable populations are his legacy.” 

-------------------------------------------

Stephen Lewis was featured in RNAO's flagship publication RNJ. Please view links below.

Q&A with Stephen Lewis from November/December 2003 issue of RNJ

Article about the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign from September/October 2007 issue of RNJ