Editor: Kurt Chandler

Photographer: Katja Heinemann

Publisher: Camp Heartland

ISBN: 0-9767169-3-3

The following review was contributed by: Jennifer Brown : Click Here To View Jennifer Brown's Reviews

When was the last time you hugged a child who has HIV/AIDS? For Neil Willenson, AIDS activist and creator of Camp Heartland, the answer would most certainly be, “every day.” Willenson, whose involvment in fighting for the love and care of children whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS goes back more than a decade, has devoted his life to his mission. A JOURNEY OF HOPE is partially his story, but mostly the story of so many of the little lives he’s touched.

Meet Stacey, a 14 year-old living with HIV that was passed on to her at birth. She’s grateful that she’s lived as long as she has. And then there’s 13 year-old Peaches, who struggles valiantly every day to take the medicine she needs to keep her alive. Read the stories of 14 year-old twins, Sheridan and Shane, whose mother contracted the disease after they were born. Could you survive the pressure and ridicule that they must endure on a day to day basis? And what of the kids who contracted the disease from blood transfusions, and who are now dealing with multiple diseases – AIDS, Hemophilia, Hepatitis, or others.

A JOURNEY OF HOPE is a book like no other, with beautiful and poignant photographs interspersed with stories, poems, and art from the pens of the campers themselves. Neil’s commentary throughout takes the reader on a rollercoaster of love and grief, leaving them with the certainty that more must be done to help these children ignored (sometimes purposely) in our society.

The story of these children is heartbreakingly poignant. Many of them are grateful for the lives they’ve been given. Most of them stoically accept the fact that they may never graduate high school or marry or drive a car. They struggle with rigorous medication schedules that make them feel ill. And, almost without exception, they long for love and acceptance. “We want to stop lying to our friends and families,” they say. Or, “I wish people weren’t afraid to touch me.”

Neil Willenson and his courageous volunteers aren’t afraid to touch, love, and give meaningful life experiences to these children. There aren’t many people like Willenson in this world and his story needs to be told. Loudly. Clearly. And to as many people as who are willing to hear it.

A JOURNEY OF HOPE is a touching and informative book that will change any reader’s views of the world around him. It will make the reader want to be a better person. Not only do I highly recommend this book, I challenge you to find the strength to open yourself up to it.