February 14, 2023

By Lisa Ryan

The popular music styles of the day may change, but the mission of the student-run Pediatric AIDS Benefit Concert (PABC) has been the same for 30 years: raising money for children living with HIV and AIDS. In the last three decades, PABC has raised more than $650,000 for its cause.

“I think PABC has been so popular over the years because of the variety of people it can bring together,” said Shane Tripp, MD Program class of 2025 and PABC chair of entertainment. “Current students, returning alumni and members of the wider community all want to support a good cause and have fun along the way.”

PABC’s 30th annual concert featured 12 acts, showcasing students’ and faculty members’ talents in dance, songwriting and acapella singing, and featuring everything from classical music to the genre-defying Dennis Novack Experience cover band. This year, as in years past, performances benefitted the Dorothy Mann Center for Pediatric and Adolescent HIV at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

Hannah Lee, MD Program class of 2025 and PABC marketing chair, performed at this year’s event in addition to helping bring it to fruition.

“I genuinely believe in the power music can have when it comes to healing, connection and community,” she said. “I hope that as an e-board member and as a performer for this year's benefit, I can contribute to PABC's mission of providing equitable care and services to families affected by HIV and AIDS.”

Although living with HIV is more manageable today than it was when PABC was founded, affected patients and families must deal with the financial impact of an ongoing chronic condition. Through donations, ticket sales and a silent auction, PABC’s funds assist families affected by HIV with such costs as housing, utilities, food and rent, and can offset other expenses like college application fees and supplies for summer camp.

The Dorothy Mann Center for Pediatric and Adolescent HIV provides comprehensive care, including social services, to children who are HIV positive and their families.

St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, owned in partnership by Tower Health and Drexel University, is a vital resource of health and healing, medical education and research, and is relied upon by the children and families in its Philadelphia neighborhood and the broader region.

PABC performers and student event organizers were excited to support an important resource for Philadelphia families. Samiza Palmer, MD Program class of 2025 and PABC food committee chair, said she and her peers stayed motivated in the challenging event planning process by remembering who their work would help.

“I love working with kids, so working on an event that directly enhances the lives and health of children in our local community always made the work of PABC that much more fulfilling,” Palmer said. “I think PABC has continued to be so popular across time because the College of Medicine community understands that this event serves a higher purpose.”