PATF Announces Dr. Larry Leahy as 2017 Kerry Stoner Award Recipient

Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF), southwestern Pennsylvania's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization, is pleased to announce that Larry Leahy, DMD is the winner of this year's Kerry Stoner Award.

The award, named for a PATF founder and its first executive director, is given annually to honor a person or an organization that has shown commitment to Kerry Stoner's legacy and vision through long-term dedication to PATF and the HIV/AIDS community. Dr. Leahy was the first dentist in southwestern Pennsylvania to knowingly see HIV-positive patients and has supported PATF for over 25 years.

The presentation of the Kerry Stoner Award will be a highlight of PATF's 31st Annual Benefit on April 26, 2017 from 6-10 p.m. at J Verno Studios. Titled "A Moulin Twist," the Benefit will infuse Pittsburgh springtime surprises with the classic French theme. Reservations for the event are now on sale.

In honor of winning the Kerry Stoner Award, Councilman Dan Gilman will present Dr. Larry Leahy with a proclamation at City Hall during the City Council meeting on April 25, 2017 at 10 a.m.

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1985, Dr. Leahy opened Shadyside Dentistry, and shortly thereafter, became the first dentist in the region to welcome HIV-positive patients into his practice. Over the course of his career, Dr. Leahy has seen many individuals living with HIV from all walks of life, despite the fact he initially received criticism from other patients and community members.

When HIV-positive patients were no longer able to work and unable to pay for medical care due to HIV/AIDS, especially common in the early years, Dr. Leahy worked with assistance programs or simply provided his services without charge.

In addition to his professional practice, Dr. Leahy has supported the HIV/AIDS community through his more than 25 year involvement with PATF. He has attended nearly every PATF event, from the AIDS Walks to the Sewickley Garden Tours to Red Hot and Halloween to more than 20 PATF Annual Benefits.

Dr. Leahy's service to PATF includes membership on the board from 2000 to 2007, serving as president from 2003 to 2007. He has been instrumental in bringing new friends to PATF, personally engaging dozens of friends and contacts to support PATF's fundraising efforts.

As the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF) is dedicated to supporting and empowering all individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and to be relentless in preventing the spread of infection. Combining vital social services with a new medical clinic, PATF continues its three decade history of leadership in providing comprehensive support that improves the health and quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

For more information, visit www.patf.org