As thousands gathered on the grounds of Grant Park, the annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, benefiting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, was held Sunday, Sept. 29. Planners of the event had been concerned that inclement weather, which hampered last year’s walk, might keep some participants away. But clouds and rain dissipated, welcoming a sun-filled sky and many excited and motivated walkers/runners.
“Fighting complacency was our theme this year because of several reasons,” said David Munar, associate director, AIDS Foundation of Chicago. “We need to continue the message that we still need to fight AIDS because the epidemic still exists. Some of the enthusiasm and urgency has been waning recently and we’re worried that this attitude is partly due to other issues that have garnered the attention of America. While new meds and therapies have helped thousands live longer lives, they aren’t working for everyone—and there still is no cure for AIDS. Some people believe that we have defeated AIDS and there is no longer a crisis, but nothing could be further from the truth. The CDC estimates 40,000 new HIV infections annually in the U.S. and Chicago estimates around 1,500 each year.”
Munar added that more research is vital in the fight against AIDS as is more intensive efforts at testing high-risk populations, including African American and Latino men.
“In one CDC study conducted in several major U.S. cities including Chicago, it was discovered that more than half of the men interviewed and tested did not know they were HIV-positive and did not perceive themselves to be at risk,” he said. “That trend is seen more dramatically in Black men. In the sample of those interviewed 90 percent of Black men who tested positive did not know they were positive and 70 percent of the Latino men didn’t know. “It’s also clear that congressional appropriations for the new fiscal year will not be increased-if anything, they’ll be cut. That means more private money will be needed for the fight against AIDS. And the need is greater than ever before.”
While organizers are still tabulating final numbers, it is estimated that 9,000 people participated in the 2002 AIDS Run/Walk Chicago. Preliminary and un-audited figures put the net amount raised for the event at around $300,000. Chicago’s 2001 run/walk drew 8,000 participants and raised nearly $160,000.
The event also included a Health Expo featuring more than 20 area HIV/AIDS service organizations and other groups as well as musical entertainment by Underwater People, Nicholas Tremulis, Twang Bang, Lynne Jordan and Paris Delane, vocalist with Sonia Dada. Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and State Rep. Tom Dart officially started the race along with AFC Executive Director Mark Ishaug.