Our Founder
Gary D. Cheatham

Gary Cheatham was born on July 25, 1952.  He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in San Diego in 1970. 
 
After being diagnosed as HIV-positive in July 1988, Gary founded Auntie Helen’s Fluff ‘n Fold, a free laundry service for people with AIDS.  He worked out of his one-car garage with one washer and one dryer, and began Auntie Helen’s assisting one friend with AIDS. 
 
Gary's motto was “It’s all about loving and taking care of each other.”  He lived by that motto every day of his life. 
 
For all of us who knew and worked with Gary, we will never forget him.  He was divinely inspired and continues to guide us spiritually here at Auntie Helen’s. 
 
Gary passed away on June 26, 1995 from complications of AIDS.