Fred Says

WHO IS FRED?

I'm a cute little yorkie with a big heart!
I am a Yorkshire Terrier born on October 24th, 2010 - and adopted by my Dad, Rob Garofalo, in January 2011. I helped my Dad through some of the darkest periods in his life - professionally, personally and with regards to his own health. My Dad says I helped him make peace with his own HIV diagnosis and focus us both on being healthy and happy.

It was my Dad's idea to put me to work – thinking that the magic I brought to his life might be able to be used to help other. Our goal was to use my image to create a self-sustaining charity that supports the health and wellbeing of HIV+ adolescents.

WHO IS ROB GAROFALO?

Rob Garofalo is a physician who cares for HIV+ teenagers. Dr. Garofalo was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and in the ensuing years faced a number of personal, professional and health related challenges including having to deal with his own HIV diagnosis. At a particular low point in his life, he web searched "puppy Chicago" and up popped an image of Fred. Although he had never previously had a pet, he knew he just had to have him. Dr. Garofalo credits Fred with bringing peace and joy back to his life again. Fred's healing properties led him to create this charity focused on helping others.

Rob is the Director of Lurie Children's Hospital's Gender, Sexuality and HIV Prevention Center. He is the medical director of the Adolescent/Young Adult HIV Program. Dr. Garofalo continues to work on behalf of HIV positive adolescents through primary patient care, advocacy and HIV prevention and clinical research.