Because We Must

I recently participated in the Tacoma AIDS walk. This year, the motto was "Because We Must". The Walk started and over 200 University of Puget Sound students led the walk chanting "Because We Must, Because We Must". There were tons of people and support there, from young to old, walking the streets of Tacoma because they must. Each of us held a red ribbon on a stick with the name of a victim of AIDS. Some people had signs as to why they were walking, and one of the signs hit me hard. A mother wrote, "Because I want my daughter to know", and I was on the edge of tears. It is so simple yet incredible- throughout the walk, the daughter walked hand in hand with the mom. I am so grateful I was able to be part of something that inspiring and meaningful.

AIDS is one of the leading killers in the world. In 1980, there were 4 diagnosed cases in the US, today, it is thought that more than one million people are living with HIV and half a million of those people die when they get AIDS. In Africa, the statistics are even worse, and without modern medicine like that of the US, the death rate is even more horrendous. This year, everyone needs to care and contribute. Because we must. Sponsor a child in Africa here or just donate the the Tacoma AIDS walk here.