Thank you for dropping in on my AIDS Walk page. If you've made it this far, you probably already know that I've supported AIDS Walk since 1988. I've kept walking all these years to remember those we've lost, to support those still living with and challenged by HIV & AIDS, and to help save lives of future generations. AIDS is not over, and I will keep walking until our work is done.

I am honored to walk in support of the National AIDS Memorial. Their programs include the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the National AIDS Memorial Grove, the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarships, and the Surviving Voices oral history project. These programs help change hearts, minds, public policy, and lives. Throughout the year I volunteer to mend Quilt panels, assist at gardening work days in the Grove, and help the extraordinary NAM team in any way I can.

Each year I carry with me the names of many of those we lost to the AIDS epidemic. If you have names you would like me to carry, please send them; I will be honored to carry them for you.

For several years I have also walked in memory of my dear friend Bruce Smith, a fierce and tireless warrior in the battle against both AIDS, and the stigma and bureaucracy that made life even more difficult for people living with the disease. He was my friend, my mentor, and is my inspiration every year.

Thank you all for caring, and taking action. Please help me support the National AIDS Memorial and AIDS Walk San Francisco. Every dollar counts.

With gratitude, hope, and love,

Joanie