Dine Out for My Life: Dolly Rolle, Mother of Two Sons Who Lost Their Lives to AIDS
This month, in anticipation of today’s Dining Out for Life (DOFL) event, G Philly has profiled a different local who has been affected by HIV/AIDS. This week, we’re closing out the series with the inspirational Miss Dolly Rolle.
What’s your Philly connection? I was born and raised in Elkins Park, Pa. I traveled for 20 years with my husband, who was in the Air Force, [and] lived in many states and countries. I now reside in Mount Airy, where I have lived for 31 years.
What do you do for work? I am a retired registered nurse.
How has HIV/AIDS affected your life? HIV/AIDS has affected my life in a big way. I had two sons who were infected with the virus — Steven who passed away in October 1998 and Gregory Sr., who passed away January 2000. I promised my sons that I would carry on their legacy. I have also lost many friends from the disease. After my sons’ deaths I became involved with ActionAIDS as a Buddy. I also went to classes to learn more about the disease and became a speaker to reach out to others. I have also made two quilts for my sons, which have been displayed all over the United States.
The biggest thing I have learned from my experience with HIV/AIDS is … That we must continue to educate people about the disease, especially our children. We must continue to fight against AIDS until there is a cure.
What is the biggest obstacle ActionAIDS has helped you overcome? Being involved with ActionAIDS has really been a great outlet for me, as it has helped me to grieve and be able to tell my story.
You should make a reservation to take part in this year’s Dining Out for Life, because … you can make a difference; have fun and a great way to enjoy an evening with friends knowing that you are helping a great cause and to raise AIDS awareness.
DOFL is happening TODAY all over the city. Over 150 restaurants and nine food trucks will donate 33 percent of today’s earnings to local HIV-fighting organization, ActionAIDS. For more info on participating restaurants, click here.
Other Dine Out for My Life participants:
- AIDS-education advocate Jeff Alexander
- Longtime volunteer Betty Flenner
- ActionAIDS volunteer coordinator Jay Johnson
