Dear Friends,

We are saddened by the news that Marisol Desbiens passed away on May 18, 2016.

Marisol worked with the OAN for a brief time from January to March, 2009 as a Program Assistant with the PHA Leadership Program (now PLDI). She was also a co-investigator and research assistant for the 2010 PLDI Positive Change Makers booklet.

Marisol was a Peer Research Associate and volunteer with the Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS). She had been working in the HIV community for the past 8 years. She also volunteered at PWA in the Speaker’s Bureau and Ontario HIV and Substance Use Training Program. Marisol was very engaged working in different HIV settings and enjoyed working with PHAs from diverse communities. She believed there is not enough research when it came to women’s issues.

Marisol was also on the Teresa Group board of directors.

In her own words, she liked to smile a lot and when there was something that needed to be voiced out, she would do it. She enjoyed helping people such as peers and community members. The greatest reward for her was personal satisfaction. In describing herself, she said she was wise, approachable and flexible.

Marisol will be greatly missed by many.

When more information is available, we will post an update.

The OAN extends our sympathy to Marisol’s family at this difficult time.