World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. J at mesouthern has a great post about today, and his writing is always worth a read. That, and he's hella cute.

Aaron has a great post about what HIV has meant to him and how it has touched his life. His writing is also always worth a read.

After reading these, think about helping out some of your local AIDS service organizations. They can always use any help you can give.

Minnesota AIDS Walk 2004

The weather Sunday was beautiful, with full sun for most of the day and temperatures in the 60s. The amount of walkers and volunteers for the Minnesota AIDS Walk was incredible. About 11,000 people participated and close to $500,000 was raised (actual total will be released in several weeks).

Several radio and television personalities provided entertainment along with various cultural performers from the African and GLBT communities.

Goldy Gopher and the U of MN cheerleaders got the crowd going.

The amount of people walking the approximately 6 miles along the Mississippi was truly inspiring.

Even if you hate my hat, you can still donate to the Minnesota AIDS Walk 2004, and you can still donate through me. Simply click here to donate or consider walking in your local AIDS Walk. AIDSwalk.org lists over 100 walks thoughout the nation.

Geoffrey

Many of you who read this because of the HIV/AIDS information and news that I track down from time to time. The disease is the most important and devasting to hit the planet since the plague.

So many people have been lost and forgotten over the past 20 years, as entire support networks of gay men died. Those in the GLBT community know that our biological families are rarely as close as our friendship families. When neither of these families are around anymore, the dead become forgotten.

Nick, at Zionide is currently blogging a journal of a man who died of AIDS, and seems to have been forgotten.

Thank you Nick for doing this and hopefully this will touch other people as it did me. AIDS is not a buzz-word or a political platform, but a living reality for many people, as well as those we've lost - - like Geoffrey.

This is HIV

My campaign to raise money to fight the spread of HIV in Minnesota and support advocacy and care for people affected by HIV is in full swing. I'm raising some money and finding people to join me on Minnesota AIDS Walk day.

While googling about HIV, I came across this image of the virus.

This is what is causing so much pain and misery in our world. And we can prevent it's spead in my little corner of the planet by just clicking the link at the top of this page. Even a $1 will help keep our friends and families healthy. Give a little $1 today!

Students get it too

North Carolina sees increase in HIV among student population. And the government is not going to pony up the funds to increase HIV testing among students in the South.

That's why private donations to HIV/AIDS Programs are so important. HIV testing is crucial to halting the epidemic. Many HIV infections occur because people haven't been routinely screened for the virus.

We're starting to see the long-term effects of anti-retrovirals and protease inhibitors, the powerful drugs designed to supress HIV replication. Also, as people live longer with HIV, many are developing the common diseases of getting older that are not related to HIV.

The reality of HIV treatments, however, is their costs. They are hugely expensive, and not all can afford them. That's why financial support for HIV/AIDS charities is crucial. They can help connect people living with HIV to vital services that help with presciption coverage or have emergency funds available for those who cannot get help with treatment otherwise.

To give to this year's Minnesota AIDSWalk, please visit my personal donation page here: Andy's AIDSWalk Page. Remember, even a donation as small as a dollar can make a huge difference in curbing this epidemic.

As of day 3, I've gotten $45 in pledges. I'm reaching for $1000 by next Friday. Help me make that a reality!