Melissa Gonzales

The text of the Houston Post article found here has been reproduced below.

Melissa Gonzales faced obstacles few teens think about: cancer at age 12, and 4 surgeries including a leg amputation.

When she was told in November 1986 that she had contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion during one of her operations, she was not bitter. "She said, 'Well, Mom, we licked one disease (cancer); can lick the other (AIDS)," recalls her mother, Rosie Gonzales.

Melissa died at age 17 but her mother believes her legacy lives on in the AIDS quilt. “I wanted everybody to know AIDS does not affect just certain people, but all walks of life,” Gonzales says. “It has no respect for anybody.”

On her quilt, Gonzales decided to include a picture and the things her daughter liked most: a fabric drawing of a Big Mac, a teddy bear with a ski cap, a recording of her favorite movie, La Bamba, and a graduation cap and diploma.

Gonzales is looking forward to another upcoming event. Melissa had completed her high school work at home. Her mother will receive her diploma in ceremonies later this month.

-C.P.