They Needed a Second Change to Finish First

By: Brandon M. Macsata, CEO, ADAP Advocacy Association

The iconic 1986 Hollywood blockbuster, Hoosiers starring Gene Hackman, was based on the true story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that won the state championship despite all of the odds. It was a triumph of the human spirit, inspiring viewers of all ages. The movie's tag line, "They needed a second change to finish first," is a reminder that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Hoosiers

Within the HIV/AIDS advocacy community, we are fortunate to be surrounded by so many inspirational leaders. They, too, serve as a reminder about the daily challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS, and yet how it is possible to overcome them. That is why it is important to reflect on the accomplishments achieved by individual, community, government and corporate leaders working to improve access to care and treatment for HIV/AIDS.

Last year, a lifetime commitment to fighting healthcare disparities in the South was showcased when the ADAP Champion Award was presented to Kathie Hiers, President & CEO of AIDS Alabama. At the same time, "newbies" Wanda Brendle-Moss and Patrick Ingram were applauded for their groundbreaking work, as they were presented with the ADAP Emerging Leader Award and ADAP Social Media Award, respectively.

The Honorable Henry Waxman, M.C. (retired) being presented
 with the ADAP Lawmaker Award by Brandon Macsata,
CEO of the ADAP Advocacy Association

Now is the time for you to recognize such a leader by submitting a nomination for the 2015 Annual ADAP Leadership Awards. The ADAP Advocacy Association has issued a Call for Nominations for the following awards:

• ADAP Champion of the Year (individual)
• ADAP Emerging Leader of the Year (individual)
• ADAP Corporate Partner of the Year
• ADAP Community Organization of the Year
• ADAP Lawmaker of the Year
• ADAP Social Media Campaign of the Year
• ADAP Grassroots Campaign of the Year
• ADAP Media Story of the Year

To submit nominations, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q2KLCZB.