AIDS Walk San Francisco: 2010

Though many of us may never directly have any interaction with HIV, the AIDS virus and those infected by it, we still live in a World where these silent killers are all too alive and infections are growing in numbers. This is due, in part, to a lack of education on the subject, a lack of funding for research and a lack of accessibility to treatment, especially for patients living in poverty.

Most people believe that AIDS is only contracted by the irresponsible actions of those who are infected but few realize that over 2 million of the just over 33 million cases are children, 15 years of age or under (www.sfaf.org). Innocent victims, not of their parents mistakes but of the lack of awareness, education and prevention resources in poverty stricken areas.

On July 18th, 2010, thousands of people will join together in San Francisco's, Golden Gate Park to rally support for those living with AIDS in the Bay Area. According to a 2006 report by the San Francisco Department of Health, there are over 19,000 individuals in San Francisco alone living with HIV/AIDS. The money raised by this year's walk will aide the San Francisco AIDS Foundation among many other groups throughout the Bay area in their attempts to support those living with HIV/AIDS (through programs such as Black Brothers Esteem, El Grupo, and the Stonewall Project,), advocate AIDS education and awareness, and fight through the political realm to ensure a positive environment for those living with HIV/AIDS.

It is our jobs as citizens of this World, to support one another by whatever means possible. If you can't afford to sponsor a walker, become a walker and get sponsored. If you can't do either of the above, volunteer at the SF AIDS Foundation as they prepare for the walk. There are plenty of ways in which one can support their community.

I have started a team, "The Urbanites," and if anyone is interested in walking with us, CLICK HERE.

If you have any interest in just supporting through sponsorship, CLICK HERE and support me as I raise money for a cause that is so much greater than myself.

Visit The San Francisco AIDS Foundation for other ways to get involved.