The Greater Community Aids Project, or GCAP, held its 21st Annual AIDS Walk for Life/All Walks of Life on Sunday to raise awareness about the disease.
Mike Benner, program director of GCAP, said the walk is a great way to get out into the community and shine light on the topic.
“This year we changed the route to start on Pennsylvania (Avenue) and then proceed through Green Street to bring more visibility to our cause,” Benner said. “Hopefully, if people see us and our project, they will become better informed about preventing HIV/AIDS.”
The event was also planned with the help of the sorority Alpha Epsilon Phi. Stephanie Payleitner, philanthropy chair of Alpha Epsilon Phi and senior in LAS, said she was happy to spread awareness for the prevention of AIDS.
“It’s really important that everyone is educated about how to prevent contracting the virus, especially in college. Also, it’s great to be able to raise money for GCAP for them to use in their various programs,” she said.
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Along with other programs, the project has set up transitional and permanent housing plans for people who have contracted HIV/AIDS.
“These housing systems have been set up for victims of the disease who need help finding a place to live or are struggling with the adjustment. Anybody with AIDS can apply for these houses,” Benner said.
Julia Bassewitz, member of Alpha Epsilon Phi and junior in LAS, was one of the many who took part in the walk.
“In college, sometimes people don’t even think about AIDS or other STDs,” Bassewitz said. “This event is important for the community to keep AIDS prevention in the back of their minds when they are making decisions that can affect their lives.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are more than 55,000 new HIV/AIDS infections annually with as many as one quarter of them being unaware of their infection.
Benner said he remains optimistic for people who have contracted the virus.
“One message that we all wanted to get out there to the people that have the disease is that just because you have it doesn’t mean you can’t go on to live for a long time with a very healthy and fulfilling life,” he said.
