"So many people think it's over, that they're not at risk. We are not investing in prevention and education. We all know we have to struggle to find prevention dollars."
Dr. Marjorie Hill, executive director of Gay Men's Health Crisis, NYC
"I've been doing the AIDS Walk for more than 12 yrs. I started while a student at UCLA and have never stopped. Finding out recently that one of my closest friends was HIV-positive brought to home the fact that the disease spares no one."
Daniela, San Francisco
"[I walk in] honor of my Uncle James who passed away of AIDS nine years before I was born. I wish I could have met him, but this way I feel close to him."
Liam, age 8
"I walk for my friends who are no longer here. I came out in 1987, and very quickly my closest friends were members of the drag community - most were drag queens. They helped me grow and learn and become who I was meant to be - and I could never forget them. Of all my friends, those mentors, I'd say 90 percent of are now gone, and that saddens me not only for my personal loss, but for our community as a whole." Kevin Cook, Seattle
"I walk to make a difference, to feel connected, to make noise. It's been over 20 years since I first tested HIV-positive. I've watched dear friends and acquaintances pass over the years. For me, however, walking is not about those lost - it's about tomorrow. I feel like we can truly change the course of this epidemic when we're all in it together.
Michael K.
"With thousands of people living with HIV in Wisconsin - including mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, co-workers, grandparents and friends - there is no better or more important time for everyone to be a part of AIDS Walk Wisconsin."
Stephanie Klett, former Miss Wisconsin and current secretary of tourism for State of Wisconsin
"My brother passed away from AIDS in 1993. He was 31 years old. I don't think I really realized Richard was going to die until one day in the hospital. We were cleaning him up and I lifted his gown a bit and saw his leg. It was just so, so small. "
Monique Apolinar, Denver
