i did my first AIDS walk more than 15 years ago in SF.
back then it was still seen as a gay disease in the media and AIDS walk was full of SF freaks and friends, family and supporters of those who were "different"

it was so much fun and there was so much love.

many people dressed up in costumes and wigs and there were folks on roller skates and stilts. the rest stops were "manned" by m2f cheerleaders who urged you along with witty funny cheers and served cookies and lemonade and water.
the walk ended in the park and there was dancing, hugging and tears of support.

times have changed. the walk has turned into a marketing madhouse and it doesn't really matter because the APLA is still good and they have been there since the early years and the money still goes to the right place.
this year one of the top sponsors of the AIDS walk is Toyota. companies sponsor their employees to wear tees and the current top fundraising teams (i just checked) are the hilton family of hotels and coldwell banker. CEOs and file clerks walk in biker shorts and baseball caps and show support for awareness and services for those living with an illness that killed 31 people in 1980, 128 people in 1981..and 25 million people today.
some of my favorite people on earth are living with AIDS, walk with us, everyone is affected.

i got an e-mail from my mom this morning..

Hi Honey,

Well I finally was able to donate to your aids walk and I did it in memory of my brother Chris!

Love you a bunch. MOM