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Kevin’s Story

His smile. “Please don’t forget me when I am gone.” Those are the two most memorable statements that continuously echo in my mind since the death of my brother Kevin, on October 7, 1997. I had the greatest fortune to grow up with an incredibly fascinating family that included a remarkable young man who lived a full life. I am one of five in my family. I have two brothers and two sisters. The remarkable young man I referred to earlier is my brother Kevin, who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1991 after his initial diagnosis of HIV in 1987.
He was born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey for most of his life. My brother was a free spirit who loved people and exciting ventures. He was very involved in the performing arts for most of his life. Ironically enough he played as an extra on the set of “Philadelphia’.” In addition to his theater credits, he also played in “Age of Innocence,” “Twelve Monkeys” and was very active in the theater up in New England for several years.Kevin’s biggest fault in life was that he only hurt himself. He was always there for someone else. To help you understand better, here are some of the events that occurred in my brother’s life; Kevin was an active Santa Claus every Christmas for the children at several malls as well as in the disadvantaged areas. Kevin attended the high school prom all four years because he knew how to treat a lady. He was known for his peculiar taste in purchasing unique cars. My brother must have owned over twenty-five cars in his lifetime which made great conversation segments at family gatherings. When Kevin had the money he would buy the moon for you if that were possible There was a Christmas when my brother gave the entire family little wrapped boxes which contained news clippings of Broadway productions with the explanation that when he obtained the money he would be taking us to this particular show — which of course never transpired due to Kevin’s financial situation. That was actually one of my most enjoyable Christmases. Kevin had a good heart and great intentions for his fellowman. He was a true Irishman. He consoled a lot of troubled souls as a bartender for much of his life. My sister Lisa, shared a memory of Kevin with us at the cemetery when we performed his final wish and placed him along side my grandmother Cody. She explained how Kevin would discuss the treatment he received from other people when they discovered that Kevin was infected with the AIDS virus. He sensed an uneasiness from others when he was near them. Kev said that it always made him feel better when people did not hesitate in touching him with a handshake or embracing him with a hug.

Rosie O’Donnell
& Kevin Todd

Kevin had become a recluse through this desolating disease. The AIDS was slowly taking a piece of his life away every day that he existed here on this earth. After reviewing what little information I have shared with you, I hope you can now understand why it was so difficult to lose my brother to this terminal illness. You can imagine how I felt when I would hear his laughter coming from his bedroom on several occasions. I felt like his spirit was still fighting to be a part of this world.
When I approached Kev to see why he was laughing so much, he said he was watching the Rosie O’Donnell Show. Kevin watched Rosie every day that he was not in the hospital, or receiving treatments at the clinic. Whenever we shared a meal together, he would always bring up a topic that she may have discussed earlier in her show. Since I observed my brother’s improved behavior related with her show, I became overwhelmed with ideas. I was consumed with the thought that if this funny person could make an individual who already has incredible support mechanisms in his life feel so good, what could it do for the individuals who are fighting for their lives on a daily basis and have lost all will to fight.
That was when the ideas started swirling through my head. My first goal was to see if I could get Rosie O’Donnell to call Kevin up on a day that he was in his bedroom, watching her show. Kevin would have flipped! So I began my Rosie Campaign and attempted to contact the Rosie O’Donnell Show. I telephoned, I faxed everyday, I even spoke with several producers. Finally, my brother was knocking on my bedroom door on a Friday night. When I asked him to come in, he was holding a large package in his arms, questioning the contents. I suggested he open it up to find out. I wish you could have seen the expression on my brothers face when he pulled out some T-shirts, an autographed picture and a letter from Rosie O’Donnell wishing him well. That generous act truly transformed my brother’s attitude for the weekend He dined out during his meal times, proudly displaying the Rosie T-shirt. He was attending more family functions, sharing the moment he received the package from Rosie with total excitement. We had Kevin back with us again. It was as if he felt important and could escape his terminal world for a period of time. Kevin is the inspiration of Dreams of Hope.
He has motivated me to develop this program for all the souls suffering from a terminal ailment, so that they may still own a feeling of importance during their stay here on earth.