SARASOTA-
“The last thing you want hear from a child is mom, dad, I have HIV,” said CAN Community Health’s Alix Redmonde.
According to CAN Community Health, people between the ages of 13 and 24, are the fastest growing population of new HIV transmissions. One of the harsh realities, the 2018 AIDS walk is trying to bring awareness to.
“It is preventable,” said Redmonde. “So we need to raise awareness for that. We also need to honor those who are no longer with us and honor those who are living with HIV.”
Redmonde says this walk is unique, bringing together a community of different people, sharing one goal.
“HIV doesn’t discriminate it does not say ‘l’m going for this person with this culture or this racial background.’ It affects each and every one of us,” said Redmonde
Fiona Long walked in the 2017 AIDS walk. This year, she is taking her three sons.
“I think by taking them to things like that and talking about sexual behaviors and its just part of what lays a good foundation for their life,” said Long.
Long says participating in the AIDS Walk is just part of a lesson she is teaching her kids.
“Showing my children that there are lots of ways to be sexually healthy and to be sexually informed is part of something that I want to give them for their lives,” said Long.
But the AIDS Walk doesn’t just raise awareness and funds.
“There is hope for someone that is newly diagnosed with HIV and that you don’t have to die of AIDS,” said Redmonde.