Hi folks,

Of COURSE I am walking again. ;)

This year marks the 40th anniversary of AIDS Walk: four decades of being a lifeline for local organizations that provide vital services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

But this year I am sounding an alarm, and asking for your help.

Right now many of those people living with HIV/AIDS, and the community organizations that support them, are facing an existential crisis, as federal funding for HIV organizations is being drastically slashed by the federal government. Funding cuts this extreme are not sustainable, and although state and local governments are scrambling to minimize the damage, their resources are limited as well. This is a time when we ALL need to step up and help. People's lives are at stake.

So I am asking you - my community, my real and chosen family - to join me in raising funds that will help support people with HIV, and the community organizations that fight every day for the health and well-being of our community.

Last year you helped me raise $14,355 for AIDS Walk. Together, with your donations large or small, I know we can raise over $15,000.

With love, hope, gratitude, and determination,

Joanie Juster