Nancy A Draper

"A Burden of Silence: My Mother's Battle with AIDS" is an inspiring account of a daughter's devotion to her dying mother. This poignant story, about a sixty-six year old woman who was transfused with HIV contaminated blood during heart bypass surgery, reveals her self-imposed shame and fear of rejection. She chose to keep her illness a secret, except for a handful of family members. This remarkable woman's voice is heard through the words of her daughter who became her advocate and confidant.

It is also a testament to the human spirit in the face of unspeakable circumstances. Nancy A Draper weaves together the themes of a strong mother-daughter bond, the impact of caring hospice nurses, and the pain of masking a deadly disease. It's the story of one of the very first women in the United States who contracted HIV.

"A Burden of Silence" is also a call to action for the cause of AIDS awareness that humanizes this often dehumanizing disease. The book questions why the government waited so long to respond to the AIDS pandemic, and attacks blood banks for not taking more responsibility in protecting the blood supply.

Draper keeps her mother's memory alive through the panel she made for the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt that travels throughout the world heightening awareness, and promoting compassion and acceptance of people with HIV/AIDS. A powerful message is sent to all who read the words on the bottom of the panel:  "It hurts to know you suffered in silence."