10/8/2008 12:59:00 PM Annual AIDS Walk raises money, battles apathy
ASPEN, the AIDS Student Peer Education @Newport High School, a group of 26 high-school students, kick it into high gear before the start of the 22nd annual Seattle AIDS Walk on Saturday, Oct. 4. The group raised $44,000, more than any other organization. (Photo by Bradley Enghaus)
By Sasha London
The Lifelong AIDS Alliance conducted its 22nd Seattle AIDS Walk last Saturday, and roughly 2,400 people took part in helping the organization reach its fundraising goal of $650,000. But the event took place against the challenge of increasing apathy toward a disease that still has no cure. Beyond the money raised by the walk, the intent was to help correct the misconception that HIV/AIDS is no longer a serious problem.
"There seems to be a perception that AIDS isn't a crisis anymore," said Katherine Kurlon, marketing and communication coordinator at Lifelong AIDS Alliance. "But it still is and because of that perception, funding is going flat."
In fact, HIV prevalence has increased by an average of 5 percent per year in Washington state since 2002, according to the Washington State Department of Health. This increase is partially attributed to better treatment HIV patients are receiving, causing them to live longer.
Kurlon said this is why the misperception is so dangerous. "More people now need their [fundraisers'] help. That's why the AIDS walk is so important - to raise funds where they are greatly needed."
Lifelong expected attendance of about 2,400 and set a fundraising goal of $650,000 for the walk.
While corporate giants Microsoft and Starbucks were among many sponsors of the event, it was a group of 26 students from Newport High School called the Aspen Club who dominated fundraising efforts, raising $44,000.
This is the third consecutive year the group has raised over $40,000.
"How do they do it?" said Patrick Green, Lifelong board member and client. "It's because the group before them did it and the group before that group did it. They know it can be done."
Green lives with HIV and has participated in the AIDS walk for 20 years. He lost his partner to the disease and encouraged participants to embrace the experience of walking among others who share a common goal.
"Look around. Remember the faces and think 'I am not alone in this fight against this illness,'" said Green. "All of us are walking in the footsteps of those who have walked before."
The first case of AIDS in Washington state was diagnosed in 1982, according to the Washington State Department of Health, but a recent study has found the disease could possibly be a century old.
Michael Worobey of the University of Arizona, the author of the study, told reporters last week that while the findings were not staggering, it meant the disease has been around much longer than originally expected.
Developments like these give hope that progresses are still being made with HIV/AIDS treatment and research.
Guy Ashmore is a medical case manager for Lifelong and said the organization is conducting important policy work in Olympia and Washington, D.C., to maintain awareness of HIV/AIDS.
"Twenty years ago we helped people die with dignity. Today we're helping them live with dignity," said Richart, Lifelong's executive director.
As of Dec. 31, 2007, there were 10,095 Washington residents living with HIV, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The disease is nowhere near being solved, yet many seem numb to its looming presence.
"It's less on the forefront than it used to be," said AIDS walk participant, Jim Cheatle. "It seems like fewer people are dying."
That reality has led to the misconception that HIV/AIDS is not a serious problem.
"People are pretty complacent," said Nikole Kecklinger, "Kol HaNeshamah" team captain. "They think it isn't really an issue anymore in our society, but it is. That's why it's important to keep supporting organizations that create awareness."
Tess Cheatle said she had no idea the disease was still so prevalent before she started volunteering for Lifelong.
"The last time I really heard about it was when Magic Johnson was infected," she said. Johnson's announcement came in 1991.
Tracy Steen is the head of his church group at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and has participated in the Seattle AIDS walk for 10 years.
"The younger people feel that it's all solved with newer medication," he said. "[Such medication] helped people with HIV, but it hasn't solved the problem."
Beverly Hill, from the Center for Multicultural Health, said what Washington residents need is more information about the disease.
"It's the knowledge and education that are most important," Hill said, adding that people are more aware, though, on the ways the disease can be contracted. "People know that you can touch people who have the disease and not get it."
David Wood is a 46-year-old member of the Rainbow City Band and has been living with HIV since 1988. He said while public misperception of the disease is unfortunate, Seattle is a very accommodating place for those who live with HIV/AIDS.
"The giving is not as abundant as it used to be," said Wood. "But Seattle is one of the best places to be if you happen to be plagued with it [HIV]. I've had a lot of blessings living in a place like this."
Although Saturday brought traditional Seattle blusters and fleeting raindrops, Seattle AIDS Walk participants wouldn't have rather been anywhere else.
More information is available at www.lifelongaidsalliance.com.
"I would be here whether it was snowing or raining," said Ashmore.
Sasha London is an intern with the Capitol Hill Times. She can be reached at editor@capitolhilltimes.com or 461-1308.
