Today, and for months and years to come, the staff and Board of Directors of the HIV Legal Network mourn the untimely and heartbreaking death of our beloved friend and colleague, Alexandra de Kiewit. Among her many other accomplishments, Alexandra was a long-time Board member at the Legal Network, and we will miss her more than words can convey. Alexandra touched so many lives — and we, like many others, are shattered by her loss.
Some people come into your life and cannot help but make an impact, both personally and professionally. Alexandra was kind and compassionate, determined and outspoken, curious and committed. She was an activist that one would be lucky to have in their corner. Her beautiful, beaming smile and warmth were always genuine. Whether serenading us at a Board gathering, or strategizing on steps needed to end the criminalization of those viciously relegated to the margins of society, we will always remember Alexandra as a person who lived her life authentically and persevered in the face of adversity and unimaginable loss. She was a fierce advocate for people who use drugs, sex workers, and people living with HIV, among others, generously sharing her personal lived experience and expertise — and we are all better for having worked with and known her. She lived in service to her community, and constantly gave of herself in myriad ways.
In Alexandra’s own words, “Once we let go of the judgement and see overdose deaths as a failure of government policy, people will stop dying.”[1]
Alexandra, we recommit to this work in your name, and we thank you for your incredible advocacy.
Rest in power, dear friend. We miss you.
[1] Taken from a wonderful profile of Alexandra and her advocacy, written by Christopher Curtis for Ricochet (July 16, 2021): https://ricochet.media/en/3730/intervention-workers-overdose-shows-depths-of-tainted-drug-crisis