About Our HIV/AIDS Advocacy Organization in Northeast Florida
Friends of The Quilt is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to supporting the AIDS Memorial Quilt, honoring the lives lost to the epidemic, and preventing new infections. As an HIV/AIDS prevention organization in Northeast Florida, we primarily work with communities across the Southeastern United States. However, we are pleased to partner with individuals and groups nationwide.
Read on to learn more about our mission and the team powering our nonprofit. If you have any questions about our organization or how you can get involved, please contact us.
Read on to learn more about our mission and the team powering our nonprofit. If you have any questions about our organization or how you can get involved, please contact us.
Mission
The mission of The Friends of The Quilt is to independently support the National AIDS Memorial – AIDS Memorial Quilt and honor and remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. In doing so, we aim to make displays of The AIDS Memorial Quilt more accessible and affordable to underserved populations, minority organizations, and underfunded groups.
Vision
Friends of The Quilt is guided by three essential
pillars.
Education
Fostering awareness and understanding through powerful and impactful initiatives.
Prevention
Implementing proactive measures to halt the spread of
HIV/AIDS.
Eradication
Advocating for the decriminalization of HIV and the stigma associated with the virus.
With a mission to promote empathy, dissolve stigma, and advocate for the decriminalization of HIV; Friends of The Quilt serves as a tribute and a cornerstone in the global fight against this relentless epidemic.
Friends to The Quilt
Justin Bell
CEO/Founder
Justin Bell: Advocate, Educator, and Leader
Diagnosed with AIDS in 2007 after contracting it through a medical procedure in 2001, Justin Bell faced stigma and a lack of HIV education, leading to delayed testing and diagnosis. After years of recovery, he committed to advocacy and education, starting as a Peer Navigator for the Florida Department of Health and volunteering with AIDS Care and Education at Lutheran Social Services in Jacksonville.
Bell co-organized the first World AIDS Day Memorial Service in Yulee, Florida, in 2010, featuring The AIDS Memorial Quilt. He expanded The Quilt’s visibility as the interim representative of the North Florida Quilt Chapter and later became the chair of Northeast Florida World AIDS Day Committee, serving his third term in 2024.
Struggling with fundraising, Bell pursued part-time work to support the Quilt Chapter and founded Friends of The Quilt, which became a non-profit nearly a decade later. This organization enhanced outreach programs, events, and initiatives, including bi-annual trips to The AIDS Memorial Quilt in San Francisco. In 2024, he was named CEO/Founder of Friends of The Quilt, Inc.
Additionally, Bell is the Vice President of Operations at Reza Health, LLC, working with Dr. Mohammed Reza to provide comprehensive healthcare services for individuals with HIV in multiple Florida locations.
Diagnosed with AIDS in 2007 after contracting it through a medical procedure in 2001, Justin Bell faced stigma and a lack of HIV education, leading to delayed testing and diagnosis. After years of recovery, he committed to advocacy and education, starting as a Peer Navigator for the Florida Department of Health and volunteering with AIDS Care and Education at Lutheran Social Services in Jacksonville.
Bell co-organized the first World AIDS Day Memorial Service in Yulee, Florida, in 2010, featuring The AIDS Memorial Quilt. He expanded The Quilt’s visibility as the interim representative of the North Florida Quilt Chapter and later became the chair of Northeast Florida World AIDS Day Committee, serving his third term in 2024.
Struggling with fundraising, Bell pursued part-time work to support the Quilt Chapter and founded Friends of The Quilt, which became a non-profit nearly a decade later. This organization enhanced outreach programs, events, and initiatives, including bi-annual trips to The AIDS Memorial Quilt in San Francisco. In 2024, he was named CEO/Founder of Friends of The Quilt, Inc.
Additionally, Bell is the Vice President of Operations at Reza Health, LLC, working with Dr. Mohammed Reza to provide comprehensive healthcare services for individuals with HIV in multiple Florida locations.
Karim Walker
President of the Board
Karim Walker, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, is a passionate advocate and innovative thinker dedicated to raising awareness about HIV prevention and care. His journey into advocacy began in 2012 when he first learned about The AIDS Memorial Quilt, a poignant symbol of remembrance for those lost to AIDS.
Karim’s deep commitment to the cause led him to volunteer with the Northeast Florida World AIDS Day Committee, where he has been instrumental in organizing events and initiatives that honor the memory of those who have passed and educate the public on the importance of HIV prevention. His work with the committee reflects his belief in the power of community engagement and education to effect change.
Through his volunteer work and community involvement, Karim strives to create a world where the stigma surrounding HIV is eradicated, and everyone has access to the care and support they need. His efforts are not only a tribute to those we have lost but also a beacon of hope for a future free from the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Karim Walker, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, is a passionate advocate and innovative thinker dedicated to raising awareness about HIV prevention and care. His journey into advocacy began in 2012 when he first learned about The AIDS Memorial Quilt, a poignant symbol of remembrance for those lost to AIDS.
Karim’s deep commitment to the cause led him to volunteer with the Northeast Florida World AIDS Day Committee, where he has been instrumental in organizing events and initiatives that honor the memory of those who have passed and educate the public on the importance of HIV prevention. His work with the committee reflects his belief in the power of community engagement and education to effect change.
Through his volunteer work and community involvement, Karim strives to create a world where the stigma surrounding HIV is eradicated, and everyone has access to the care and support they need. His efforts are not only a tribute to those we have lost but also a beacon of hope for a future free from the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Kelley Bell
Treasurer of the Board
My name is Kelley Bell, and I live in a small southern town in Vermont with my husband, two dogs (Max and Mariah), and two cats (Mighty Mo and Jag). I’ve worked in the medical field as an LNA, medical assistant, emergency room tech, and volunteered as an EMT. These experiences have equipped me with skills to help fulfill the mission of Friends of The Quilt.
During my high school years, when HIV/AIDS first emerged in the United States, I was angered by the stigma fueled by media coverage that labeled it a “gay man’s or needle users’ disease.” This misinformation hindered proper education on transmission and prevention.
As a board member of Friends of The Quilt, I aim to eradicate this stigma through compassion, understanding, and education. My goal is to change beliefs one person at a time, creating a domino effect of awareness and acceptance. I am also committed to educating society on prevention, which is crucial for ultimately eradicating HIV/AIDS.
During my high school years, when HIV/AIDS first emerged in the United States, I was angered by the stigma fueled by media coverage that labeled it a “gay man’s or needle users’ disease.” This misinformation hindered proper education on transmission and prevention.
As a board member of Friends of The Quilt, I aim to eradicate this stigma through compassion, understanding, and education. My goal is to change beliefs one person at a time, creating a domino effect of awareness and acceptance. I am also committed to educating society on prevention, which is crucial for ultimately eradicating HIV/AIDS.
Timm Purcell
Secretary of the Board
Timmothy M-S Purcell has been living with HIV for 25 years and is a dedicated activist in the community. He serves as a Board Member of Friends of THE QUILT and has been a member of the World AIDS Day Committee since 2020. Professionally, Timmothy is the Administrative Assistant to the Medical Director and VP of Operations at Reza Health.
With extensive experience, Timmothy has worked 5 years in restaurant management, 20 years in administrative and customer service management, and over 15 years caring for individuals living with HIV. Noticing a gap in services due to funding cuts, he pursued vocational training in massage therapy to help alleviate the pains associated with HIV/AIDS.
Timmothy’s dedication to his community and his diverse professional background make him a valuable advocate and supporter for those living with HIV/AIDS.
With extensive experience, Timmothy has worked 5 years in restaurant management, 20 years in administrative and customer service management, and over 15 years caring for individuals living with HIV. Noticing a gap in services due to funding cuts, he pursued vocational training in massage therapy to help alleviate the pains associated with HIV/AIDS.
Timmothy’s dedication to his community and his diverse professional background make him a valuable advocate and supporter for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Kat Newman
Board Member
Driven by the loss of many friends to AIDS, I’m passionate about overseeing Friends of The Quilt. I strive to honor their memories, keep their legacies alive, and raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS. Through The Quilt, I aim to create a lasting tribute to those we’ve lost and continue the fight against the virus.
Rebecca Thacker-Sanchez
Board Member
Rebecca Thacker-Sanchez joined Friends of The Quilt in 2024. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization. Formerly employed as a Legal Assistant at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc., Rebecca assisted the Ryan White unit in their duties. She has extensive experience in retail management, achieving significant successes, including outperforming goals in multi-million dollar store operations for Levitz Furniture, Bose, and Brookstone.
Rebecca’s dedication to the cause is deeply personal. She has lost two older brothers to AIDS and wears a silver bracelet every day, inscribed with "Until There's A Cure," symbolizing her commitment to ending the suffering caused by this disease. Her life mission is to witness an end to HIV/AIDS and the associated stigma and challenges.
Rebecca holds an Associate of Arts degree from SUNY Suffolk in Long Island, New York. She is a devoted wife and caregiver to her spouse, step-children, and fur babies. Rebecca’s blend of professional expertise and personal commitment makes her an invaluable member of Friends of The Quilt.
Rebecca’s dedication to the cause is deeply personal. She has lost two older brothers to AIDS and wears a silver bracelet every day, inscribed with "Until There's A Cure," symbolizing her commitment to ending the suffering caused by this disease. Her life mission is to witness an end to HIV/AIDS and the associated stigma and challenges.
Rebecca holds an Associate of Arts degree from SUNY Suffolk in Long Island, New York. She is a devoted wife and caregiver to her spouse, step-children, and fur babies. Rebecca’s blend of professional expertise and personal commitment makes her an invaluable member of Friends of The Quilt.