I am Jerry’s older brother Austin. My brother John’s life was taken by a drunk driver when he was only 19, then a few years later when Jerry lost his battle with AIDS, it left me as the only surviving son in our family. It’s been some comfort to me to see that Jerry’s spirit lives on to inspire positive change, not only here in the U.S., but also as a global effort with our mom Marion as a part of RFFA.
I wish my brothers could have seen my children grow up, and that I could call them up for advice. However, I have hope that with the efforts of a world-wide organization helping to fight AIDS, that future advances will be made so that other families will not have to lose a family member to this disease as we did. I feel proud of Marion’s work in the RFFA with the African children who’s lives have been affected by AIDS to help them live better lives, and feel that my brothers are smiling upon her efforts.
Sincerely,
Austin W. Bunch III
Dear Austin,
All I could do after reading your letter to us on this blog was cry! People that come to this blog are just beginning to learn about RFFA, about Reagan and about me — and through your letter, they are realizing that we, as a family, not only lost son Jerry to AIDS, but we also lost son John to hit and run by a drunk driver. John died in 1984, and Jerry died in 1994. My husband Austin and I look back on our life and wonder sometimes how we got through the loss of two children. Well, one of the ways that we did was through our strong love for each other, AND the comfort and support of the other five children in our blended family. Austin, we are so proud of you and the fine grown man you’ve become — a wonderful husband to Donna and a wonderful father to your children. You are the one in our family who never forgets anyone’s birthday or anniversary — so thoughtful and it makes us all feel special. Thank you for all that you do for our family.
Much love to you,
Marion