Zephyr Foundation

The Organization for Long-Term Non-Progressors (LTNPs) of HIV 

As researchers around the world strive toward a therapeutic vaccine with which to curb the AIDS pandemic, they begin to focus on a small but growing band of people infected with the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV). Their view, and their clinical studies, reveal that these rare individuals may hold a possible key to unlock the mystery of AIDS. This growing band of individuals are called 'Long-Term Non-Progressors' (LTNPs), 'Viremic Controllers' or 'Elite Controllers' of HIV. As of March, 2008, there are 362 of these individuals who participate in clinical research studies throughout the world.

The Zephyr Foundation was inspired by Loreen Willenberg, a California woman diagnosed with HIV in 1992. Designated an 'Elite Controller ' of HIV in 2005 by Dr. Bruce Walker of Partners AIDS Research Group ( Boston, Massachusetts), Loreen recognized an emerging need to disseminate information about the studies to the affected community,  and to offer support services to those individuals wishing to participate in them. She is grateful for the continued encouragement and support from many friends to establish the Zephyr Foundation as a formal non-profit  entity, a work in progress. Two of these individuals were brought into her life by Partners, Pam Neely and Paul Smith, who have shared in the remarkable  'walk' as 'Elite Controllers' of HIV. It is our  hope to

1. Develop community between all LTNPs
2. Recruit LTNPs into clinicial research studies, and
3. Augment expenses related to participation in the studies. 

 In 2006, Dr. Walker created the 'International HIV Controllers Study', a collaboration of research institutions, medical providers and individuals dedicated  to the discovery of the mechanisms of control exhibited by this unique group. Information about the study can be accessed on the HIV Controllers Study website.