WHO WE ARE – LGBTQ SCUBA DIVERS

Funds are raised in conjunction with the annual Diving for Life Scuba Jamboree and distributed to local health-related charities selected by participating Scuba clubs in those communities. The amount for each community is based on the number of local club members participating in the Diving for Life event.

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One who “lives to dive” can also “dive to live.” So proved Patrick Kelly when he gave birth to the First Annual Diving for Life Scuba Jamboree in 1992.  A veteran diver in love with the sport and infected with the AIDS virus, Patrick’s dream was to unite all gay and lesbian divers (locally, nationally, internationally, and one day interplanetary, if possible), while raising money to fight the virus which was slowly depriving him of life.  Patrick had many dreams and those who knew him knew he dreamt in Technicolor with digital Dolby surround sound.

Throughout the year of 1993, Patrick worked tirelessly planning the next jamboree. In October all systems were “go” for the Second Annual Diving for Life Scuba Jamboree at Captain Don’s Habitat in Bonaire. Two days before we were to leave, Patrick was hospitalized with PCP pneumonia. Ron Castleman and I tearfully left Patrick behind to attend this bittersweet event amidst a sea of our own enthusiasm, fear, and sadness. As much as it seemed unthinkable to go without him, it was equally unthinkable to not see it through. Needless to say, the event was a tremendous success and an extremely emotional one at that.

We, and representatives of the other five gay and lesbian scuba clubs in attendance, pulled together to form the initial board of directors for Diving for Life. Without the tremendous support, vision, and hard work of the club representatives present, there would be no Diving for Life today.

Patrick anxiously awaited our return and had even purchased a VCR so he could watch the jamboree video the moment we returned. Sadly, Patrick never left the hospital, but it was with relief that he did get to see his final dream become a reality.

It seems insufficient to pay tribute to Patrick Kelly – winning amateur figure skater; Producer of Michael Callen’s Legacy CD; and lover of all things turquoise.

Perhaps one of the things I admired most about Patrick was his understanding of the importance of leaving a legacy — not just any legacy -— but one which would bring joy to so many participants, while providing support to so many in need.