| AIDS Services of Austin provides numerous vital services, both in HIV prevention and services for persons with HIV & AIDS.
There is a page on the website where they asked people why they walk. Here are some of the responses:
Why Renee walks:
"I walk for my mom, Vickie, who died 15 years ago, when I was 12 years old. I walk because I am not ashamed. I walk to give and receive support. I walk to raise awareness. I walk for those who can not."
Why an ASA client walks:
"I walk the AIDS Walk for my life living with AIDS but most of all for my friends who lost their lives to AIDS. We need to find a cure so we can save many lives. Please come walk..."
Why Erin walks:
"I walk in place of those who lost the battle and cannot walk for themselves. I walk to bring awareness that the battle against HIV/AIDS continues. I walk for YOU. Will you walk with Me?"
Why Idalia walks:
I walk for my brother, David Castro, who was taken from us almost seven years ago. Only 35, so young and beautiful!! I walk because we have to hurry and make this happen to find a cure. We should not lose any more precious souls. I walk for Educating the Community because Ignorance Kills! I walk because we need to Obliterate Prejudice!!!
Why Araceli walks:
I walk for my brother, David. He was my baby brother and we miss him so much. He thought of AIDS as a death sentence when he was diagnosed and did not take care of himself properly. If he would have, I'm sure he would still be here with us. My family and I have been participating in the walk for the last 5 years and walk in his memory but also for those who cannot. We want to shine a light on this disease--a disease that is still rampant in this country. We need to educate everyone that in this day and age, AIDS is not a death sentence but something that can be managed. That is why donating to this cause is so important.
Why Carlee walks:
I walk for all of those who have lost the fight against AIDS and for all of those still in battle. They are my heroes; their courage and determination are unbeliveable. I walk to raise awareness and to remind the world that this is still a very real epidemic. I walk to end the stigma and prejudice against those who are living with HIV and AIDS. I walk because I have faith that one day a cure will be found.
Why Cynthia walks:
I walk because we need to realize that the AIDS epidemic is not over in America, and it is especially not over in Black America. Nearly half of the estimated 1.2 million people living with AIDS in America today are Black. Fifty-four percent of the new HIV infections in the United States are in Black communities. Yet, the silence is deafening. We've got to work on the stigma. We cannot allow so called "traditional values" to allow large segments of our communities to be marginalized. If we want to end the AIDS epidemic, either at home or abroad, we have to confront intolerance wherever we find it. Even though it is a hard subject to bring up with family and friends, we need to talk about it with our children and with each other. If my visibility as a Black woman creates a kind of space where these kinds of discussions can be out on the table and other people can be part of that dialogue, so be it. That's what I'll lend my face to."
Why La'Toya walks:
"I walk because I want to help end the stigma of HIV and AIDS. I walk because I am a part of a community being highly affected and infected by this disease. I walk because the community is where education about HIV and AIDS begins. I walk because I have the power to give and meet others who can share their story. I walk because I want to help promote and provide positive outcomes for a disease many see as a negative. I walk because I can.
"I walk because I believe when people come together in huge numbers we make a huge difference. When there is a difference it's because people listened, and when people listen, change happens."
La'Toya is a Case Manager at AIDS Services of Austin
Why Laura walks:
"I know personally the importance of AIDS treatment, because it came too late for my brother, Bill. In 1995 Bill was the 26th person from his group of friends to pass away as a result of the AIDS virus. That same year, the "cocktail" was introduced. As a result, his good friend John, who had been extremely ill at the time of Bill's death, is thriving today.
"For over 25 years, AIDS Services of Austin has been the heart and soul for those living with HIV and AIDS in Central Texas. By providing ASA funding for services and support, we can help sustain the health and enhance the quality of life for thousands in our community. Please join me and the Laura's Angels team in support of AIDS Services Austin in the 2009 AIDS Walk Austin."
Laura Morrison is an Austin City Council Member
Why Alisa and Oliver walk:
"Giving back is a core mission of L Style G Style. Building community and creating inclusivity for all generates a more conscious and compassionate city. With so many opportunities to support wonderful organizations, it is events like the AIDS Walk that are near and dear to our hearts.
"The gay and lesbian community has been impacted by friends, family and loved ones who have HIV and AIDS. In honor and support of those we know, we walk proudly for them and invite you to walk alongside us and make the 2009 AIDS Walk a huge success!"
Here is a link to a page where you can see a gorgeous quilt my friend Lisa made. AIDS Services of Austin is raffling it off, at $5 a ticket. You should see the quilt -- and the sweet picture of her brother as a toddler.
If you are able, please donate here at my AIDS Walk page. As I said above, they have only raised 68% of their goal. The food bank, dental clinic, wellness center and other services that will benefit from this event thank you and I thank you.
Oh, the top fundraiser for the Walk gets 2 airline tickets. If I end up as the top fundraiser, I'll use them to kick off my fundraising for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS |
