Shirley Young keeps son’s legacy alive at Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation

Dr. Peter Jepson-Young lost his battle with AIDS more than 20 years ago, but his mother visits him every day through her work at the centre he created.

Shirley Young says volunteering at the Vancouver-based Dr. Peter Centre, a resource facility for those living with HIV and AIDS, helps her remember her son.

But it also helps many others who are faced with the challenges of the disease.

Shortly after earning his medical degree from the University of British Columbia, Jepson-Young became the very public face of AIDS when he was diagnosed with the disease in 1985.

He chronicled his illness in a series of video diaries to share his experience during a time when AIDS was largely misunderstood.

Shortly before his death at the age of 35, Jepson-Young created the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation to give ongoing support and care to those with HIV and AIDS.

Today, the centre focuses on those who may feel stigmatized by the disease and don’t have a support network of family and friends.

The 24-hour, assisted-living residence and health centre just celebrated 10 years at their permanent location near St. Paul’s Hospital.

Many people who use the centre have been abandoned by their families and have little or no social support.

“The Dr. Peter Centre is the family they never had and Shirley is the mom for the individuals who come here and they adore her,” says executive director Maxine Davis.

Shirley honours her son’s legacy by volunteering at the centre and finds comfort in providing care for the patients.

“I’m 80 and I have a purpose. Coming here and making sure participants are loved and they’re not judged,” Shirley says.

And the feeling is mutual.

“Everybody just loves her. She is a very sweet woman. Always has a smile for everybody and a hug and something nice to say. The place wouldn’t be the same without her,” says program participant Dave Cossey.