AIDS Walk San Francisco

For those who don't know, this summer I am spending 9 weeks in San Francisco, interning at St. Anthony Foundation as part of Notre Dame's Summer Service Learning Program. Seven other interns at St. Anthony's and myself have decided to take part in the San Francisco AIDS Walk. Needless to say, we are very excited to participate! We want to do as much as we can to make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. We have set an ambitious fundraising goal of $1000 and we need your support to reach it! On Sunday, July 18, more than 25,000 people will journey through Golden Gate Park, sending a vibrant and vital message of commitment and hope.

Since its conception in 1987, AIDS Walk San Francisco has remained an extraordinarily powerful demonstration of the community’s determination to overcome HIV/AIDS. Today, AIDS Walk San Francisco is the largest AIDS fundraising event in Northern California and is a crucial source of funds for San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) and over 50 other local AIDS service organizations who benefit from the event. Last year’s event raised a near record $4.5 million!

Since 1987, AIDS Walk San Francisco has raised nearly $74 million for San Francisco AIDS Foundation and other HIV/AIDS organizations in the six Bay Area counties. Established in 1982, the Foundation refuses to accept that HIV transmission is inevitable. With the unrestricted funds raised by AIDS Walk San Francisco, the Foundation is able to provide direct services to promote health among those living with HIV and implement ground-breaking prevention programs to create sustainable progress against HIV. Even though there has been success with drug treatments that are prolonging some people's lives, they don't work for everyone. These treatments can also take their toll physically, and for many cause awful side-effects. I am also concerned that so many young people in San Francisco are getting infected. And above all, there is still no cure in sight.

Funds raised for the AIDS Walk benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and other HIV/AIDS organizations serving the Bay Area communities. The impact of the walk, however, extends far beyond the West Coast. The hope and dedication shown by those participating in AIDS Walks across the country is a continued source of inspiration for people all over the world.

Everyone is affected by HIV/AIDS, directly or indirectly, and it will undoubtedly require the help and support of the entire community to find a cure for this destructive disease. Please consider sponsoring me for AIDS Walk San Francisco. There is no minimum donation, and every dollar helps. If you would like to donate, just click on the link below to make a donation using PayPal. PayPal accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover, and you don't need an account to donate! If you are unable to donate, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers for all of those suffering from HIV/AIDS, their friends, and their families.

Thank you for supporting AIDS Walk San Francisco and the fight to end HIV/AIDS!

Feel free to contact me (jgsell@nd.edu) if you have any questions about the AIDS Walk, how to donate, or how to get involved in your local community.

Sincerely,

Jason G'Sell