Top Model Maggie Rizer Lost Father to AIDS

Nov. 26, 2006 — -- Maggie Rizer, one of the world's top models, is now moving behind the camera to film a documentary on AIDS. Heading into World AIDS Day this week, more than 28 million people have died from the epidemic, including Rizer's father.

Maggie Rizer: Basically, since as long as I can remember, I knew that my dad had HIV. And my sister and I grew up knowing it. And my parents both talked openly about it. … I was always expecting him to die and knew it was inevitable. But I think when it came down to it, I really didn't think it was going to happen. …

I'm sad that we're still here dealing with this disease. I wish it wasn't here. … I hope on World AIDS Day people-- I hope schools celebrate it and talk to the students about it, talk openly about it. … With AIDS, basically, you can be aware, be safe and protect yourself, use condoms, don't share needles, and you won't get AIDS. … It's just like putting your seatbelt on when you get in a car. You take care of yourself, because if you're not looking out for yourself, nobody else is. …

Think about your mother, your dad or your best friend, and think about not having them here -- because that is what this disease is doing to people everywhere all across the world. And it happened to me. I lost my father -- you know, the person who helped raise me. And I think people should try and take one second and think about losing the most important person in your life and knowing it was caused by a disease that is preventable.