Summer.2000|| AAC|| DePaul|| Bday|| Walk|| Outings|| Ppl|| Residence|| Fun.w/.cams





[BacK]

 During the club fair, Olivia and I stumbled upon the AIDS Project group amidst Habitat for Humanity and Amnesty International tables. Prompted by conscience, we signed up for the AIDS WALK Chicago 2000, scheduled for the 24th of September. I woke up the day of the walk half an hour before the DePaul group's meeting @ 8 outside the library. I groggily called Olivia and both dragged ourselves out of bed.

We ran to catch up to our group, who decided that no one else was coming and started walking towards the EL station. Olivia and my early run acted as our warm-up.

The experience was deeply moving. The AIDS quilt was on display, protected from the mud by plastic tarp. It showed the names and pictures of AIDS victims. As I looked around, I saw people including some from our group hunched over, sobbing. I felt overcome with emotion as I could not comfor or even connect with them.

We walked the 3.1k with three other girls -- Sarah, Jessica, and Rebecca -- with whom we already lost contact. During the walk, we received free food, water, gatorade, and flyers. Teams stationed @ certain parts cheered us on, while school children sang "American Pie" to keep our spirits up against the frigid cold.

I will never forget the lady pulling her oxygen tank who had wires still hooked into her nose. I will never forget the elderly men carrying a banner supporting gays. I will never forget the tear-marked faces and eyes red from crying.