Hi there!

I am excited to share my story with you and invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey—the 40th anniversary of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP). As we celebrate four decades of empowering the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS, I am participating in the AIDS Walk in San Francisco. I would appreciate your support in making this celebration more impactful.

Let me take you on a journey into the heart of ALRP and share why this cause means so much to me. Imagine living in a world where losing your income, health benefits, and even your housing could happen, and you have no one to turn to. This situation has devastating consequences, impacting well-being and even survival. That's where ALRP comes in. As the only disability income and health insurance benefits attorney, it's my mission to protect and preserve these essential benefits for our clients. And working with our eviction defense team, we can keep clients housed and healthy. I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact that ALRP has on our client's lives through our incredible team's compassion and expertise.

Over the past 40 years, ALRP has handled a staggering 95,000 cases, positively impacting the lives of so many people. However, the demand for ALRP's services is higher than ever, with the number of people living with HIV/AIDS seeking legal assistance from ALRP increasing by 77% over the past 15 years.

Our clients reflect the rich diversity of our community, with 50% of clients coming from communities of color, 85% being very low-income, 85% being LGBTQIA, and 70% being older adults facing various health challenges. Manifestations of HIV/AIDS impact our clients' daily lives, such as compromised immune systems, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and liver disease, and respiratory illnesses. Each case we handle tells a unique story.

Take a moment to consider the following statistics: 62% of new HIV infections in San Francisco are among those under 30, and over 75% of people living with HIV in San Francisco are at risk of homelessness. These staggering statistics serve as a reminder that AIDS is not over.

By supporting the AIDS Walk in San Francisco, you become an integral part of this incredible journey. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of our clients. Every donation, no matter the amount, will help us defy funding cuts and ensure that ALRP continues to provide expert legal advice, representation, and advocacy to people living with HIV/AIDS. Together, we can create a more compassionate, equitable, and just world.

Thank you for joining me on this incredible 40th-anniversary adventure. Let's make this year's AIDS Walk in San Francisco an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie in our shared commitment to improving the lives of others and making the world a better place. Your support means the world to me and our clients.

With gratitude,

Lynnette F. Baclig, Esq.