BABES Network-YWCA honors Julie Lewis at Stella Steps Out
SEATTLE, WA – BABES Network-YWCA will honor Julie Lewis, HIV survivor, mother of local musician Ryan Lewis, and founder of the 30/30 Project, at Stella Steps Out, an annual benefit for women and families living with HIV. The 2017 Stella Award recognizes an individual working to improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and will be presented on Thursday, October 26 at the Georgetown Ballroom (5623 Airport Way South).
In 1984, due to a complicated pregnancy, Julie needed a blood transfusion and was infected with HIV in the process. When she was finally diagnosed in 1990, she was given only a few years to live. Thanks to advanced medicine and healthcare available in the U.S., Julie has lived despite her odds.
30 years after her diagnosis, Julie wanted to find a way to celebrate her journey and use her passion for community health. She launched the 30/30 Project to positively impact the lives of other women, girls, and families who haven’t had the same access to the healthcare opportunities that she’s had.
Stella Steps Out 2017 will be emceed by Sister Glo Euro N’Wei (from Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence) and guests will enjoy a live auction, selfie booth, dinner & drinks, dessert dash, dancing, and more. An inspirational lineup of program speakers will highlight the critical support BABES Network-YWCA provides in the community and event proceeds will go directly to fund this program.
Founded in 1989, BABES Network is the only program of its kind in the region, and offers peer support, education, and advocacy for women living with HIV and their families. Contributions at Stella Steps Out last year totaled more than $53,000 and supported a program that serves more than 200 women and educated 800 high-risk women and youth about HIV prevention in Seattle and King County.
Individual tickets are $150 and available for purchase online at ywcaworks.org/stella. This event is made possible by the support of several generous community partners: United Healthcare, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Amerigroup, Winderemere Real Estate, and the Pride Foundation.
About YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish:
YWCA is the region’s oldest and largest organization focused on the needs of women, and provides services and advocacy to support stable homes and economic advancement, reduce violence and improve health, and promote racial equity and social justice. With programs that serve more than 15,000 people each year, YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. To learn more, please visit our website: ywcaworks.org.