AIDS Walk New York

Tomorrow is the 23rd New York City AIDS Walk. The first time I participated, I didn't actually get to walk. I was working with a group of teen HIV educators. On our way to Central Park a few kids got separated from the rest of us. This was at a time when not everyone had cellphones, and as a result I spent the majority of the walk anxiously waiting near the check in tents for the stragglers to arrive.

Subsequent walks have gone a little more smoothly, and I am planning for a successful (and hopefully sunny) one tomorrow!

In the States, AIDS Walks happen in New York, Florida and California. Participating is a really great way to get involved in your community, be surrounded by people who care about this issue, and of course, raise money for an extremely important cause.

But what does this money go to? The New York Walk is sponsored by GMHC (the Gay Men's Health Crisis), which is the oldest AIDS service organization in the city. Unless walkers specify that another organization should get the money that they raise, proceeds will go to GMHC.

Here is an example of how they would spend it:

• $1000: An HIV/AIDS advocacy bus trip for 50 people to Albany, NY or Washington, DC for face to face meetings with lawmakers
• $500: 1,000 safer sex kits for men
• $250: 15 OraSure rapid HIV tests
• $100: 30 hot meals
• $45: A Family Food Package that will supplement diets for two weeks
• $25: 20 safer sex kits for women

Happy Walking!