AIDS Walk San Diego Turns 25

Grab your Lycra, that cape and your running shoes, because this year AIDS Walk San Diego has added a "Heroes and Villains"-themed 5k fun run. Oh jeez, put away that smart phone app... that's about two and a half miles of capes flying in the wind.

Now, if you're more of an average citizen, here is your call to action: Ask friends, neighbors and loved ones to "get up, get out and get going!" Form a team and help AIDS Walk San Diego honor 25 years of our community's love, support and generosity.

Doesn't everyone know Ian? Ian Johnson is the Director of Events for The Center. Back in 2006, he wanted to honor the life of his friend, Brent who had recently died of AIDS. In response, he championed the Martinis Above Fourth AIDS Walk Team. Now, he helms the single largest non-governmental HIV/ AIDS fundraiser in San Diego County. Johnson asks (even begs) us to form teams, "Teams make up over 70 percent of the funds raised... That's huge! Walking with friends is the best way to cross the finish line!"

SAVE THE DATE!
AIDS Walk & Run San Diego
Saturday, September 27

NEW LOCATION: The walk begins on Normal Street and University Avenue this year! We will be walking/ running through the heart of Hillcrest. Normal Street is the hub-there you will find the AIDS Walk Village.

PARKING: There is free parking and shuttle service at the Naval Hospital on Park Boulevard, at the school district offices, as well as in the DMV parking lot.

VOLUNTEER: Johnson says, "Volunteer wise, we need people to help with Friday set-up." Volunteers can register at aidswalksd.org.

SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS: The evening of Friday, September 26 come join the "Reasons We Remember" opening ceremonies and candlelight vigil. This event begins at dusk in the heart of Hillcrest, by the rainbow flag.

On Saturday, September 27 after the walk, stop at one of the many Hillcrest restaurants offering to donate 25 percent of your brunch or lunch check to AIDS Walk San Diego. The list so far includes Harvey Milk's American Diner, Uptown Tavern, Martinis Above Fourth and East Coast Pizza. Note as you meander, the "25th Annual AIDS Walk Month" banners on all the streetlamp poles courtesy of the Hillcrest Business Association.

Why walk? Johnson says this: "Passion, that's what keeps you going. There are 20,000 people right now in San Diego County living with HIV/AIDS. Their stories, the complications, the courage, that's what keeps you going. There are new cases and some have been infected for a long time. We're still losing people. It doesn't get any easier when you lose somebody."

The #bethegeneration campaign also inspires Johnson. "We can stop AIDS in the next 10 years. How do we do that? By talking about it more. Sure, it is a scary thing to get tested, but do it. The more conversations we have, the more we pull back stigma and the more likely it is that people will get tested, know their status and receive care and treatment."

TOP THREE AIDS WALK PARTICIPANT TIPS:
The top individual fundraiser of last year's AIDS Walk was Patrick Anderson, Fraternity House, Inc's. Board President. The Rage Monthly caught up with him to learn a few tips:

1. Find a service organization or walk team you feel passionate about supporting. Anderson says, "I walk today because I volunteer for Fraternity House, Inc. Fraternity House and Michaelle House are located in North County. We provide residential care and support for people living with advanced HIV/AIDS. Our doors opened 26 years ago. AIDS Walk has provided support, awareness and funding for as long as I can remember. It is amazing, every year, to see thousands of people walking, united for one cause that helps so many."

2. Don't be afraid to ask everybody you know. Anderson notes, "This is something I learned last year. I wrote to my whole email base and put it up on Facebook. The donations I received surprised me. It was very gratifying."

3. Keep your commitment and ask others to do the same. "We need to make sure people understand this disease hasn't gone away. Public awareness has moved on to many trendy things. When Fraternity House, Inc. opened its doors we made a pledge to be here until there is a cure. AIDS Walk participants can say the same thing. As long as there is a need, we need to be here and lend our support," says Anderson.

For more information about AIDS Walk San Diego or to register for the event, go to aidswalksd.org. For more information on the Fraternity House and its many programs go to fraternityhouse-inc.org