AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2006

Since June 1, 1981 HIV the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) has claimed the lives of over twenty - five million people, and infecting over forty million. HIV leads to the destruction of cells in the immune system. (CD4 + T Cells). These cells are vital to a healthy, active human immune system. HIV disables the body's attempt to fight off infections and multiple cancers.

The state of California alone has been radically affected by this disease.Did you know that there are currently over 139,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in California, which is enough to fill LA's Staple Center, Rose Bowl, and the Hollywood Bowl to maximum capacity?

If current trends persist AIDS alone has the potential to claim up to one hundred million lives by the year 2020, which would make it the worst epidemic in human history. An individual becomes infected once HIV enters the bloodstream. The immune system reacts by producing antibodies to the virus. A reaction can take as little as two weeks to form or as long as six months to show itself present in the bloodstream. HIV can be transmitted from one person to another by unprotected sex, mother to child, needles, and blood transfusions. (Prior to 1985, blood was not tested before transfusions.)

The City of Angels will be hosting its annual AIDS Walk, Sunday October 15th in the City of West Hollywood. The Walk will begin and end at the West Hollywood Park located at SanVicente Blvd. between Melrose Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd. The Walk itself is a demanding 6.2 miles with an estimated completion time of two to three hours. Sign in starts at 9 am sharp, opening ceremonies starting at 9:45am, and the walk begins at 10:30am.

The walk attracts some of Hollywood's biggest names in Television and Film. Walkers and supporters alike range from young to old, all with one goal in mind: to raise awareness of this global killer.

All funds raised will benefit the AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the nation's largest non-profit AIDS service organizations along with many other AIDS orientated groups across Los Angeles. APLA is community based and supported by volunteers.

Los Angeles is a city known for hope. Let's come together as a community and embrace this hope and fight the good fight. AIDS can be beat, it's just a matter of time. We will find a cure.

For more info AIDS Walk Los Angeles call: 213-201-WALK.