PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — AIDS Project Rhode Island wants young people to grow up healthy and AIDS free.
They’re looking for walkers for the 27th annual AIDS Walk for Life on Sunday, September 23 on the State House lawn beginning at 9:00 a.m.
“It’s about raising money and it’s about raising awareness,” said AIDS Project RI executive director Thomas Bertrand. “It’s also a time for remembrance. Many of our walkers participate to commemorate a loved one who died from AIDS. And, now it is a time of hope as we encourage young people to grow up healthy, to grow up AIDS-free, and to get tested for HIV.”
“The 2.5 mile walk begins and ends at the Rhode Island State House, and First Lady Stephanie Chafee, one of the state’s first nurses to work exclusively with AIDS patients, is honorary chair,” said Amy Stein, the event’s manager. “Mrs. Chafee knows the devastation and loss caused by AIDS first-hand. We are honored that she has agreed to participate again this year.”
Philip Chan, MD, is the event’s chair. Dr. Chan is an attending physician at The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital specializing in HIV/AIDS. He also performs research at Brown University on HIV epidemiology and transmission. “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the AIDS Walk and the effort in Rhode Island to help our young people grow up healthy,” said Dr. Chan. “This is a time for all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity, to develop healthy behaviors to protect them from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.”
“We’re excited that Barbara Morse Silva from NBC 10 will once emcee,” said Ms. Stein. “She cares deeply about fighting AIDS, and we’re honored she has volunteered her time to join us.”
Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the walk steps off at 10 a.m. Walkers will be able to partake of food provided by Cuban Revolution and Libations restaurants, coffee and iced tea from Starbucks, and chair massages from Healing Hands Massage Therapy. They will also be able to enjoy music from Romantic Receptions DJ Philip Weston, and a performance from the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus.
AIDS Walk for Life sponsors include Cardi’s Furniture; Clear Channel Stations; The Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Alliance; The Miriam Hospital, a Lifespan Partner; and the City of Providence.
To learn more about the AIDS Walk for Life visit www.aidsprojectri.org or email Amy Stein at amy@aidsprojectri.org.
AIDS Project Rhode Island is a division of non-profit Family Service of Rhode Island.
