I wrote this article as a journalism student at the University of Georgia. It was published in the Stewart Webster Journal Patriot-Citizen in the Fall of 2007.

Balloons floated toward the heavens. On one was written “I just wish I could graduate high school,” on another, “I wish my family would be all right.”

These wishes were part of HERO for Children’s annual Fall Festival of Fun for children infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Out of the 500 programs in the state that provide basic needs for HIV and AIDS patients, HERO is the only one to focus on the quality of life for children affected by this disease, according to the organization’s website.

HERO for Children is financially supported by University of Georgia’s HEROs student organization.

Two UGA graduates, Ryan Gembala and Garrett Gravesen, founded UGA HEROs several years ago after both had touching experiences with AIDS orphans abroad.

While one had taught an AIDS orphan to blow bubbles for the first time, the other had attended a funeral for a child who lost his battle with the disease.

After its humble beginnings on the University of Georgia campus as UGA HEROs, this organization has spread its influence internationally, while also keeping strong roots in its home state.

“Our mission has always remained the same, but we have definitely become more fundraising focused over the past few years,” said Kevin Scott, executive director of UGA HEROs.

“HERO for Children in Atlanta is on the cutting edge of a lot of things, but they need the financial support from us to make these things happen.”

The growth of UGA HEROs is evident in its fundraising totals. The organization went from raising $52,000 in its first year to $100,000 in a single semester.

This year the organization is focusing on two things: recognition and fundraising.

“We have done activities such as a free Greek cookout and a free Residence Hall cookout to invite people to come and learn more about HERO in a non-threatening way,” Scott said.

Although awareness on campus is important, it’s the fundraising aspect of the organization that really impacts lives.

“The bottom line is that we can have all the fun we want and have everyone on campus know what UGA HEROs is, but if we aren’t raising money for the programs then we really aren’t helping these kids, Scott said.

“Ideally, we would like to raise $300,000 this year – a major jump for the organization.”

The money raised by UGA HEROs goes directly to fund HERO for Children programs such as SuperHEROs, Global HEROs, Fall Festival of Fun, Hero Olympics and many more.

These programs provide opportunities for these children that they would not normally get since many live in homes with an average income of $10,000 per year or less.

Partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, HERO for Children has also developed the state’s first mentoring program for children affected by this disease.

A mentor is assigned to each child and spends time with them on a regular basis, often taking them to events such as Braves or Hawks games.

During a time when AIDS remains a controversial disease, organizations like HERO for Children are attempting to lessen the negative stereotypes surrounding the illness.

It is often hard to imagine the pain that victims of this disease feel. One 4-year-old girl expressed hers by writing on her balloon, “I love God, I wish God loved me.”