Hope Center

established to address the unmet needs of patients & families

affected by HIV in Knox & surrounding counties

A Life Remembered ...

Roger Dwyer Napier

January 13, 1961 - September 20, 1999

In 1999, Roger died from HIV - alone and abandoned. 

When no one else was there for him, Hope Center became his family. In his death, Roger became a Hope teacher.  His story helps people understand about the grim reality he dealt with after being diagnosed with HIV. 

In October 2008, an instructor from Roane State attended the Understanding HIV: The Human Perspective workshop and was so moved by Roger's story that she thought he should have a quilt panel made to honor his life.  

In July 2010, she contacted Dr. Gillian and told her that a student had taken on the project of making Roger a quilt panel and that it was complete.  She delivered the beautiful quilt panel to Hope Center, with the hopes that it would be a way of not only honoring Roger's life but also an educational tool for the many years to come. 

As Roger's family, we are truly grateful for the time and careful attention that it took to make Roger's quilt panel.  It reminds us all that every life matters and that no one should be alone.  On behalf of Roger, we thank you. 

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