Coby believed people living with HIV/AIDS deserved dignity and respect...
Coby Palmer (May 18, 1944- September 25, 2024) was a co-founder of the Indy Bag Ladies, one of the nation's oldest HIV/AIDS fundraising groups. Coby and the Bag Ladies were one of the first groups in Indiana to raise awareness and funds for the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Starting in 1981, Coby and fellow Bag Ladies started hosting the now famous "Bag Ladies Bus Tour" to support local individuals who were living with HIV. This was a time when stigma surrounding HIV was rampant, with people being ostracized by family and friends due to their HIV status.
Coby was not deterred and believed these individuals deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. His advocacy for people living with HIV led to Reverend Canon Earl Conner to contact the Bag Ladies about helping to found a new organization: Damien Center.
Through things like the Buddy Program, where people living with HIV were matched with community members who could help with basic needs or just be a comforting friend, Coby continued to advocate and champion for everyone impacted by HIV in our community.
Coby's impact remains powerful and ever-present at Damien Center. One of his big passions was making sure individuals living with HIV have access to quality food. In 2009 for his 65th birthday, we honored Coby by naming the food pantry after him.
Coby's legacy of kindness and generosity will continue at Damien Center through your support.
100% of all donations made on this page or In Honor of Coby will be used to purchase food and toiletry products for clients at Damien Center.
