Oakland University’s School of Health Sciences is sponsoring a screening of “Angels in the Dust,” a documentary depicting the HIV/AIDS devastation in South Africa. Wellness, Health Promotion and Injury Prevention Program Director Stafford Rorke hopes the documentary exposes people to the seriousness of the AIDS pandemic. After the documentary, which will be shown May 21 at 1:30 p.m. in Rooms 128-130 of the Oakland Center, Rorke will accept donations for his personal quest to help orphans impacted by the epidemic.
“HIV/AIDS is decimating whole communities in South Africa. There is a phenomenal need for financial support for HIV/AIDS infected and HIV/AIDS affected orphans,” Rorke said.
On June 15, Rorke will participate in The Comrades, a 56-mile ultra-marathon in South Africa. The Comrades began in 1921 as a remembrance of World War I soldiers. Rorke is dedicating his 16th running of The Comrades to the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, a charity raising funds for orphaned and vulnerable children throughout South Africa.
Rorke became involved in the Starfish Greathearts Foundation after a viewing of “Angels in the Dust.” Born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Rorke participated in his first Comrades in 1978. Rorke’s fundraising goal for this race is $3,086, which matches his permanent race number of 3086 given to him after 10 marathons.
“I have had the good fortune of a loving family, stable career and community. Unlike individuals, families and communities dealing with the ravages of HIV/AIDS, I do not face such daily hardships,” Rorke said.
During the public screening of “Angels in the Dust” at Oakland University, Rorke will challenge the community to donate $1 each to the Starfish Greathearts Foundation. Donations will be accepted at the screening on May 21 or can be made online at the Starfish Greathearts Foundation Web site.
“Please join me in making a small difference in the lives of HIV/AIDS orphans. I promise to do the physically demanding part by running the race on June 15, but my hope is that the OU community will connect in spirit by making a small financial contribution to the Starfish Greathearts Foundation,” Rorke said.
For more information on the screening of “Angels in the Dust” or Rorke’s participation in The Comrades, call (586) 945-5453 or e-mail klkosek@oakland.edu. The event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.