About AIDS

Forty million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS. Anyone who thinks that his or her community is isolated from the virus needs to think again. Between 5,000 and 7,000 of our Austin neighbors are living with the disease, and those not infected are rarely not affected. Everyone has a story. Everyone feels the impact.

It's been 20 years since the first AIDS diagnosis in Austin. A lot has changed since 1983, but not nearly enough. At least one thing remains the same: a dramatic need for AIDS care and prevention. Central Texas needs a group of people to curb the epidemic and care for those already infected, a group of people willing to stand on the front lines, willing to remember, willing to fight, willing to cry, and willing to walk forward. AIDS Walk Austin is the time to do just that.

Join us on Sunday, Oct. 19, to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS. The walk benefits AIDS Services of Austin and other community organizations dedicated to supporting those living with HIV/AIDS.

Register for AIDS Walk Austin 2003 today! Log on to www.aidswalkaustin.org or call 452-WALK.

It's simpler than ever to raise money for vital support and prevention services. Walk as an individual, join a team, or be a virtual walker. The Web site allows you to ask for and accept donations online. You can even create a personal page to share your motivation for taking part.

Sign-in and entertainment will begin at 11th and Congress in front of the Capitol at 11am, with a street fair, music, food, and games. The 5K Walk will follow at 2pm.

AIDS Walk Austin is our annual opportunity to stand and show that we haven't forgotten. We haven't given up. We will support those in our community who are living with HIV/AIDS. We will work to end the spread of this disease, and we will not forget those we have lost.

Join us on Oct. 19 for AIDS Walk Austin 2003!

Katryn Amundson

AIDS Walk Austin 2003