ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

When the outbreak of HIV and AIDS swept across the United States in the 1980s, there were few safe places for those impacted to seek support.  In Sarasota, FL., a passionate community volunteer, Susan Terry, collaborated with the medical and religious communities to provide a haven for people living with HIV or AIDS to go after being discharged from the hospital. In those early days, providing support meant making folks comfortable as they got sicker.

As time moved forward and treatments became available, Susan’s work expanded and eventually grew into CAN Community Health, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to empowering wellness for all. Inspired by her leadership, CAN is a beacon of hope for countless individuals. Susan’s unwavering commitment to treating every person with dignity and respect created a legacy of compassion that continues to guide CAN’s mission today. CAN clinics now provide comprehensive care to more than 33,500 people annually across Florida and have expanded to include clinics in Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

In 2024, the Susan Terry Foundation launched to honor the legacy of Susan Terry’s early work. She demonstrated that empowerment is key to living with HIV.  And that is the underpinning of this foundation. The foundation recognizes that in the decades since Susan started her work, HIV has been transformed from a death sentence to a manageable condition. Yet there are still many individuals affected by HIV who face obstacles that limit their ability to access or maintain life-extending treatment.  These barriers can be socioeconomic, educational or bureaucratic in nature.

The foundation has been established to support organizations that empower people affected by HIV to live full lives, free of stigma.  Its approach focuses on three main pillars:

    • Community Collaboration: Because no single organization can address all the barriers faced by those living with HIV, we foster collaboration among individuals, groups and organizations to address barriers and create a stigma-free future. By coordinating efforts and ensuring services are not duplicated, we maximize our collective impact and efficiently use resources to better serve those in need.
    • Critical Factors Affecting Health: We fund community organizations providing support services ranging from mental health & substance abuse counseling to housing & transportation assistance to medical support.  These successful organizations help individuals with HIV navigate the challenges they face and build strong, supportive communities.
    • Education & Awareness: We support educational programs to dispel myths and misconceptions about HIV.  By increasing public awareness and understanding, we reduce fear and prejudice that continue to threaten the HIV community.

Susan Terry was a visionary leader, fearless advocate and trailblazer in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In 1991, at a time when stigma and fear surrounded the epidemic, she boldly stepped forward to help establish one of the first comprehensive care clinics dedicated to treating patients. With an unwavering commitment to compassionate care, she played a pivotal role in shaping what is now CAN Community Health.

Recognized for her leadership and organizational brilliance, Terry worked tirelessly to secure federal grants, including Ryan White funding, to expand the clinic’s reach. Whether advocating for legislative support or celebrating small community fundraisers, she valued every contribution, no matter the size. Her efforts laid the foundation for an enduring health care network that continues to serve those affected by HIV and AIDS. Colleagues and community members admired her determination and courage. Dr. Jeffrey Stall, who co-founded the clinic with her, recalled, “She was the only person who had any idea about what had to be done with AIDS and who had the guts and intestinal fortitude to do it.” Despite her transformative impact, Terry never sought recognition, but those who knew her understood the profound mark she left on so many lives.

Terry died Sept. 2, 2009, at age 53. Her passing was a tremendous loss to the community she served so selflessly. Yet, her legacy lives on through the Susan Terry Foundation, ensuring that her life’s mission continues.