Remembering Ann Dunmore

Beloved Chicago HIV/AIDS activist Ann L. Dunmore died suddenly on Saturday April 24, 2010 at the age of 63. Affectionately known as “Big Momma,” Ann was a tireless advocate, giving voice to the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Ann’s engagement with the HIV/AIDS community began at the AIDS Alternative Health Project (AAHP) with Michael Brickman. Ann saw the very real effects of HIV/AIDS on the MSM (men who have sex with men) community and the impact of advocacy. It was there, that Ann made friends with other like minded individuals; individuals who were unapologetically vocal, unwaveringly passionate, and undeniably tenacious. As a woman living with HIV, she wanted to improve the lives of other women living with the virus. Shortly thereafter, Ann Dunmore, agent of change, found agency at the Chicago Women’s AIDS Project (CWAP).

Executive Director, Cathy Christeller, guided Ann’s zeal and earnest desire to advocate for women, speak against gender based inequality and champion female controlled HIV prevention technologies such as microbicides. Ann fondly spoke of going to Springfield with Cathy and learning how to give the political pundits “hell.” Ann did not exclusively reserve hell for politicos. Fire and brimstone rained on abusers of people, power and/or position. Ann was a champion of the underdog and a lover of justice. She never sought the spotlight yet her leadership was recognized by both the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and AIDS Legal Council.

The following incontrovertible statements are the seed, root, and fruit of Ann’s most permanent legacy. Statement (1): The locus of her advocacy was initially the city of Chicago. Statement (2): HIV/AIDS services in south suburban Cook County were nonexistent in the 1980s-1990s. Statement (3): Ann travelled to Chicago where services proliferated to receive medical and ancillary care. Statement (4): Just as Mohandas Ghandi said “one day India will be free,” Ann L. Dunmore said “there will be services for people living with HIV/AIDS in the southland.”

What was learned at AAHP, CWAP, the Chicago Area HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, the HIV Prevention Regional Implementation Group, the Prevention Community Planning Group, and the AFC Service Providers Council Executive Committee, was used to create the South Suburban HIV/AIDS Regional Coalition (SSHARC). With clarity of purpose, Ann became the Patient Care Coordinator within the Ambulatory Clinic Network of Cook County. Her title belies the sheer amount of administration, coordination, advocacy, networking, lobbying, planning, navigating, and strategizing required to build and sustain a model program that consists of HIV ambulatory care, outpatient mental health, case management, outreach, HIV counseling and  testing, evidence based HIV prevention, school based programming, and rigorous quality improvement/management.

Anyone who knows Ann, understands that SSHARC was her baby. Ever the doting mother, Ann worked hard to nurture the program. She unselfishly gave of herself. Morning, noon, or night, Ann could be found tending to some aspect of the program. She had a keen eye for talent and cultivated her staff. She proudly touted SSHARC as a viable, vital, and necessary force in the southland.

Ann’s life is a testament to the power of one. She was one remarkable person who gave form to a transformational idea that is making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Ann L. Dunmore was a woman with the power to forever change every life she touched for the better. The community will never be the same and for that we say “thank you.”

MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR ANN DUNMORE
                                                                
FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15015 GRANT STREET, DOLTON, IL 60419
DAY:    FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010
TIME:  3:00 PM
IN LEIU OF FLOWERS
AFC IS ACCEPTING DONATIONS:  ANN DUNMORE ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

A photo montage and memory booklet is under development. 
Please submit no later than May 5, 2010.
Written Resolutions/Comments to: roz_m@ymail.com
Pictures to: kburnett@lafchicago.org