In Memoriam: amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, 1926−2018
January 15 marked the one-year anniversary of the death of amfAR’s revered Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim at her home on Long Island.
“Dr. Krim had such a profound impact on the lives of so many,” said amfAR Chief Executive Officer Kevin Robert Frost. “While we all feel a penetrating sadness at the loss of someone we loved so deeply, it is important to remember how much she gave us and the millions for whom she dedicated her life. There is joy to be found in knowing that so many people alive today literally owe their lives to this great woman.”
She dedicated herself to increasing the public’s awareness of AIDS and became personally active in AIDS research through her work with interferons—natural substances now used in the treatment of certain viral and neoplastic diseases.
As amfAR’s founding chairman, and chairman of the board from 1990 to 2004, she was the heart and soul of the organization. She helped create it, supported it, kept it afloat more than once, and guided it with extraordinary dedication until poor health forced her to assume a less active role.
Dr. Krim testified on Capitol Hill on several occasions and, with the help of allies such as Senator Edward M. Kennedy, was a driving force behind legislation that expanded access to lifesaving treatment and behind efforts to scale up federal funding for AIDS research. In August 2000, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor in the United States.
“Dr. Krim’s courageous leadership at a time when few were willing to confront this crisis has benefited lives globally and will continue to inspire our commitment to find a cure,” said amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole.
At the request of her family, donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, 120 Wall Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10005, or may be made online here. 100% of your donation will go to the Mathilde Krim Fellowships in Basic Biomedical Research and amfAR’s search for a cure.
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