Why I Walk: Michael Sebring

Why I walk...

To support my friends affected by this stigmatized disease and help find a cure! I walk for my friends: Steve, John, Chris and Jeremy

The walk is important to me because I want people affected by this disease to know they are loved, have a chance at a quality life and to bring awareness to others that this disease affects all walks of life.

I have been walking for over 10 yrs.

I spread the word through donating money each year for the walk, sponsoring CAP at work so I could get them a grant, I am the Regional Chair for our Employee Resource Group at work for LGBT issues and support CAP through all its fund raising events, I have partnered with Michael Sorenson to find models for fund raisers and I have introduced several experts in the field of non-profits to help CAP find philanthropy and financial solutions as well as banking benefits to the employees of CAP.

Most of all, CAP provides support in so many ways to those affected by this terrible disease. I am so impressed by the abilities, caring and vision of Cascade AIDS Project and will continue to do all I can to support this great organization.

Why I Walk: Kevin Cook

Why I walk...

I walk because I can; I feel like it’s my duty to walk for all who cannot.

While I lost many close personal friends whom I keep in my heart and mind, especially on AIDS Walk day, I walk for those who had no one during their final days, whose friends and families turned their backs on them. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, I witnessed a lot of that--and surely there were many whom I never met or knew very well, but who deserve nonetheless to be remembered.

When our Community first was hit and we started losing friends and loved ones, the Drag Community jumped right in and began raising funds and awareness. To date, sadly, I can list over 100 drag performers who we have lost, among those my closets and dearest friends who created and shaped the entertainer I have become. Most of what I do these days in my “career” is dedicated to them--being a successful full-time drag performer and emcee is possible because of their guidance and inspiration. The many times Poison Waters has emceed the AIDS Walk has been my “toast” to these “ladies”.

I walk for my ”sisters” Misty, Rosey and Lady Elaine Peacock.
I walk for those we’ve lost who had no friends and family.
I walk because it’s the very least I can do for those who cannot.

I love the sense of Community the Walk provides. When I was a teen I wanted to do ANYTHING I could to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and show support for my Community. The Walk allows everyone to participate through this very simple act of joining. No matter a person's age or financial situation, everyone can be a part of this very important Community event.

While I’m sure I’ve been walking since the early 90’s, I know this will be my 11th consecutive year on the Camp Starlight Team! My birthday is September 17 and I always get most of my donations around that time. I send messages and reminders to my friends and family via e-mail, Facebook and texting, asking for donations to AIDS Walk instead of birthday gifts.

Why I Walk: Drew Picard

Why I walk...

I walk for those that cannot, plain and simple. It's a somewhat cliche and cheesy response, I know; however, I feel as though it is one that is never expressed enough.

This ailment has affected so many people and it will be years before we touch the lives of everyone that it has changed. Our participation, yours as well as mine, shows the world how much we care and that we are not going to just stand by while it takes another life. Just as with the other obstacles we face through out our lives, this battle will be won with massive involvement. This world has yet to see what we are all capable of, if we just stand up together for what we believe in and the people we care about.

So, I walk to show even just one more person that I am here to make a difference--one step at a time!

I have many friends that are affected by HIV/AIDS and whose lives have changed because of it. Yet, I see strength in all of them. Never once have any of them stopped living. I walk for all of my friends, in their name and for my own.

This walk is important to me, for it shows that we are willing to band together and fight for the truth, and for our beliefs. We get our chance to show that we are a force to be reckoned with and that we will fight long and strong for everyone that needs our help.

This will be my second year actually walking, but third year in participation. I have enjoyed playing many roles and lending a hand when ever I can. It's been a blast so far this year, and it's only going to get better!

It's hard to find a person that is not already informed or knowledgeable about the walk or what we do. Still, I spread the word and try to get people involved any way I can. Working at my bar provides a steady influx of customers that are willing to help with donations and even volunteer to walk. It is truly awesome to see the city organize and band together to show support. Way to go Rose City!

Daren Parks: Why I Walk

Why I walk...

I walk because I believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from pain and suffering. I walk for my dear friend Louie, his family and his friends. We will never forget him.

The walk has always been a very important part of my life because I am gay. In the early 90’s I was approached by one of our Health Club Members inquiring if I would be his Personal Trainer. He told me that if anyone could help save his life, it was me. He said that I inspired him.

In speaking with him about his needs and goals, he informed me that he had been recently diagnosed with AIDS. He feared that he did not have long to live. I asked him how he had heard about me and he said that he had been observing me train clients for over 6 months and finally worked up the courage to speak to me.

He told me that he was embarrassed to tell someone he had AIDS and that he was terrified that I would judge him and refuse to train him. He had been turned down by 3 other fitness professionals. I began crying and assured him that his search was over.

I trained Louie for over a year and a half before he lost his battle with the disease. Our time together was much more than Personal Training. There were times that I trained him at home because he was too physically weak to get to the gym. I remember holding water for him so he could drink because he didn’t have any strength to hold the glass. I remember getting blankets for him to stop him from shivering. And there were times that I held him while he cried himself to sleep. I wanted him to know that he was loved.

Ironically, at the end of it all, it was his will to live and bravery that inspired me.

I began walking in the mid 80’s in Albuquerque, New Mexico by organizing a team, speaking at the event and leading the warm-up. I continued my involvement with the walk in Phoenix, Arizona and in Denver, Colorado. In all cities, I was instrumental in ensuring that our Health Club was a major sponsor and promoter for the event. Our Club served as a platform for meetings and kick-off parties.

I communicate my passion for the walk through work, social media, email, volunteer time and by giving back to the community.

We all have an opportunity to make the world a better place. The decision you make to help others must we done with diligence, commitment, passion and be relentless! It must come from the heart and be unselfish. There is always something you can do.

Andrew Shayde: Why I Walk

Why I walk...

I walk because Americans still die of AIDS. This is my 2^nd Walk.

I was born in June 1981, the exact month that CDC released its first official statement about AIDS. I have never known a world without HIV/AIDS and I think people have grown complacent about the subject. Up to 80% of those living with HIV/AIDS are still gay/bi men and I want to walk to educate so that my friends don’t add to this statistic. I want to change the tide on this disease and lead the way to a decrease in infections by reminding people that HIV still lives here.

I walk for ‘Mo’ my first friend that I lost to AIDS. I went to his funeral where they said he passed of cancer because saying the word AIDS was apparently too controversial. I thought, people keep getting sick because we can’t say the word AIDS out loud.

Because, in America, up to 18,000 people still die of AIDS each year. More than 279,000 gay and bi men have been lost to the virus.

I am the Team Leader for The Ultimate Alliance: Superheroes for HIV. We are raising funds and dressing as our favorite Superheroes in the attempts to gain more attention back on the important topic of HIV/AIDS in Portland and to create a fun energy to help decrease the stigma placed on the words HIV/AIDS.

I work in HIV testing and counseling and I would LOVE to put myself out of a job by playing my role to help eradicate this disease. I’d rather flip burgers all day in a world without HIV.

Dale Hottle: Why I Walk

Why I walk...

My story began 13 years ago as a boy, raised in a conservative home and barely out to himself. A good friend disclosed to me that he had recently tested HIV positive. I was shell-shocked, frozen. I only knew HIV/AIDS as a death sentence--and one that only “wrongdoers” could be afflicted with. My own fear and ignorance were my shield and my sword that night, and they cut me from my friend. I silently turned my back on him and walked away. I will forever regret that moment.

I started volunteering with the Colorado AIDS Project a year later--and when I moved, I continued, volunteering with the Utah AIDS Foundation and then Cascade AIDS Project. My motto became “if I can reach out and make a difference to one person then everything is worth it.” I wanted to raise awareness and hopefully prevent someone from shunning another the way that I had in my ignorance. That friendship--a person to laugh, cry and smile with--can make a big difference to someone living with HIV/AIDS, a lesson that I learned well over time.

I tested positive three years ago and it fractured my life. While I had advocated ending the stigma to others, I still harbored it within myself. This great hypocrisy could have destroyed me--and nearly did. I resorted to drinking and shoved my friends away, isolating myself; I was so fearful that others might shun me that I alienated them from myself first.

Then, two strangers that I had only recently met became my guardian angels. They helped me turn my life back around, so that I could see past the disease to a life beyond. I was fortunate enough to receive the gift of understanding that I had once denied my friend. I can only be hopeful that he and others will be as lucky as I was.

So why do I walk? Well, the short answer is selfish: to find a cure and end the stigma that surrounds the disease.

But the long answer is that I walk for a cure to end this pandemic. I walk to educate others so that they may protect themselves and be accepting when someone else imparts their status. I walk to say thank you to the guardian angels that have provided aid and support for me and so many others through our darkest hours. Finally, I walk for Aric, the friend that started this journey; he changed my life in more ways than he will ever realize.

Unfortunate Trend: Decline in Media Coverage of HIV-AIDS

On December 3rd, Businessweek ran the following story: Dramatic Decline Seen in AIDS News Coverage

According to the study that prompted the article, "Media coverage of HIV/AIDS fell more than 70 percent in developed countries over the last two decades, [most notably] in American and French newspapers[...]" the article goes on to note that "[while] media coverage of HIV/AIDS has decreased in some nations, coverage has remained at a high level or increased in areas hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic, such as South Africa."

As is the case with many of the important issues facing us today, this disease is a daily reality for millions around the world, yet it is being largely ignored by those who could do the most good. In 2009, it was estimated that as many as 35 million people world-wide were infected with HIV/AIDS.

This is not something that will go away if we ignore. 1 in 5 people infected with HIV is unaware of their status. Every 9.5 minutes, another person in the United States is infected with the virus. We need to stand together to keep each other safe and healthy.

President Obama recently released a national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS in our communities. The Oregon legislature recently mandated that human sexuality education in schools must be medically accurate, age appropriate and comprehensive, teaching youth how to be safe if they are sexually active. We are taking steps to stop the spread of the virus, but we have more to take. One of those is to remember that this is not an issue we can let fall by the wayside. Awareness is necessary to end the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, to increase access to medical care for all those infected or at-risk of infection, and to prevent the spread of the virus. Perhaps someday we will even find a cure--but not if we stop looking.

"The vast majority of HIV/AIDS research occurs in the developed nations, so the apparent lack of interest in those countries may harm efforts to find ways to fight the spreading AIDS pandemic in developing nations, the researchers said."

 We all need to be leaders in this. Many people look at the lack of reporting and take it to mean that instances of infection are declining; they aren't. They should be, and we can ensure that they do by educating ourselves and each other on the facts, practicing safe sex and getting tested.

Hotel Monaco's Red Ribbon Party for CAP!

On December 1st 2010– around the world and throughout the United States – communities will come together to mark the 22nd Annual World AIDS Day. Take time to ensure we not only recognize the 25 million individuals lost to HIV and AIDS, but the 33 million global citizens living with the HIV virus today and appreciate the work of so many fighting the disease as allies, advocates, lovers, families and supporters!

HIV/ AIDS affects 1.2 million Americans; a little over 7,000 in Oregon are living with the virus and there are a little over 300 new infections in Oregon annually.  New infection rates have not decreased in over a decade.   Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is here to help those in need and those at risk.

As a part of this day ,  Hotel Monaco of Portland will open its doors to CAP and our friends at 7PM for the Red Ribbon Party, an awareness and friend-raising event in honor of World AIDS Day and CAP.  This is a Hotel Monaco produced event and a part of the Kimpton Hotel’s commitment to help  fight HIV/AIDS.

Join us for a night of fun including:

• Special entertainment provided by Poison Waters
• DJ Pony will be spinning
• Drag Queen Bingo ($5 per card) with some fabulous travel-related plush-ness as prizes (robes, nights away at Kimpton Properties, wine tasting, etc)
• Red Ribbon Clothed and Painted men selling your chance to be a winner!  Raffle prizes are offered in the same theme as Bingo prizes
• Live auction with  more than a dozen items including weekend stays at hotels across the country (many including airfare or train tickets).  These are BIG prizes!  Imagine Miami, New York, San Diego, Scottsdale!
• Red Ribbon Ice Luge - Charity cosmos - Beer from the Oregon Brewers Guild- Sokol Blosser Wine - Appetizers from Red Star.

ALL proceeds benefit Cascade AIDS Project.

Admission is free and includes complimentary appetizers from Red Star so invite anyone you think would enjoy the evening.   Additionally, cocktails made with Belvedere spirits, Wine from Sokol Blosser and local beers from the Oregon Brewers Guild (wristbands for 3 drinks is $20). All proceeds from the evening will be donated to CAP, Oregon's largest AIDS service organization.

Other World AIDS Day events are happening throughout the day and can be viewed at www.worldaidsdaynw.org

Some FAQs for the Walk!

Registration will be available at the Walk starting at 9.00AM--just go to the registration tent and volunteers will help you! Registration is free, and t-shirts are free to Walkers who fundraise $100 or more. Donations will be accepted at the registration tent. Please register even if you are not raising funds--we'd like to know who was there!

There will be a Kid's Corner with activities for children and youth, so bring the whole family! Face painting, story telling and other fun hands-on activities will provide children with fun memories of the day. Pets are welcome, too, and there will be water bowls along the route. There will be Hydration Stations along the route for Walkers, and a complimentary breakfast in the Square starting at 9.00AM. Teams can have a photo taken together!

The 2.5 mi Walk route will begin at Pioneer Courthouse Square, proceed down SW Salmon Street to 4th Avenue, down SW 4th Avenue to NW Couch Street, Down NW 3rd to Flanders, Up NW Flanders to NW 9th Avenue, Down NW 9th Avenue to NW Johnson Street, up NW Johnson Street to NW 12th Avenue, down NW 12th Street to SW Stark Street, down SW Stark Street to SW Broadway, and down SW Broadway to Pioneer Courthouse Square. A map is available here. The route is flat and completely accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Entertainment will continue in the Square for those who are not Walking the route.

We hope to see you there. Get your friends to come along, because it is not too late to get involved. Registration is free! The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Talk the Walk and help us end stigma in our community! Call us at 503.223.9255 or email aidswalkportland@cascadeaids.org if you have any further questions. Thank you so much for supporting us, and we’ll see you at the Walk!

Volunteers and CAP!

Last fiscal year, CAP volunteers gave over 21,000 hours of their time. This time has been estimated to be worth $550,000! Volunteers serve in our office and programs, and at events. They are an invaluable resource; without volunteers, some of our wonderful programs—like the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline—wouldn’t even exist.

The state of Oregon has been ranked 11th in the nation for percentage of residents who volunteer for an organization. The city of Portland was ranked 2nd! We are so lucky to benefit from living in a place full of such engaged, active people.

How can YOU help (and win a massage!)?
Volunteer now and make a difference for years to come! CAP is gathering signatures for a petition to be listed on the Charitable Checkoff list that goes out with your Oregon tax return. We need 10,000 valid signatures and AIDS Walk is our best chance to get them. Training is offered for signature gathering volunteers.

There are two chances to help next week:

• Pink Party Bar Crawl, Wednesday, Sept 29 from 6 to 11pm. Meet at CAP at 6pm. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pink boa & drink ticket.
  
• AIDS Walk Portland, Sunday, Oct 3 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Meet at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pedometer, water bottle and Nike duffel bag.

Anyone who joins us as a Signature Gatherer at the Bar Crawl or AIDS Walk Portland will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift certificate at Coldwater Creek Spa. We estimate 30 volunteers, so the odds are good!

Want to volunteer, but can’t for the AIDS Walk?
No problem—we’d still love to have you! The first step prospective volunteers should take is to attend a Volunteer Orientation. The next one is Tuesday October 5th—if that date doesn’t work for you, you can find one that will on CAP’s agency calendar.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Marc Kochanski to sign up at mkochanski@cascadeaids.org.

Michael Kaplan on the news!

Cascade AIDS Project's Executive Director, Michael Kaplan, spoke about HIV/AIDS in America today and our upcoming AIDS Walk on Comcast Newsmakers.

CAP Program Highlight: Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline

Oregon AIDS/STD hotline

(503) 223-AIDS | (800) 777-AIDS

(800) 449-6940 en espanol

Monday through Friday, 9am - 6pm and Saturday from 12pm - 6pm

Operating since 1987, the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline is a volunteer-staffed program that provides HIV/STD and viral hepatitis information and referrals by phone and online to youth and adults across Oregon and the Northwest. Compassionate counselors answer questions and provide support to thousands of callers annually.

Though initially created to provide basic information on HIV/AIDS transmission and risk evaluation, the Hotline has been expanded over the years to include other services in response to changing needs in the community. The Hotline has become a statewide information and referral line for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many callers are unaware that they are at risk for other STIs, some of which do not show symptoms. Hotline counselors help callers identify any possible risks and provide information on testing resources.

Along with the free and confidential hotline, the program has expanded to include:

• Live online chat with trained Hotline counselors
• A statewide training calendar for providers
• Tips and advice for those living with HIV/AIDS
• Frequently Asked Questions
• A list of test sites and needle exchange programs in Oregon
• An easy database search for resources by county

The Hotline provides factual information about HIV, STDs, and viral hepatitis as well as referrals to services such as testing. If needed the Hotline can mail out brochures and fact sheets to callers. Hotline counselors can also provide over the phone support for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Hotline volunteers maintain a presence in several popular internet chat rooms, providing support around prevention and harm reduction.

Check out the Hotline on Facebook or read the blog!

For more information or for hard copies of HIV/AIDS fact sheets, contact Claire Backenstow, Hotline Coordinator.

Brown Like Me

Warnings: discussions of race, sex, slurs, homophobia and violence

Brown Like Me is a short documentary brought to you by the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention(ASAAP)'s Queer South Asian Youth (Q-SAY) project. This short film captures the experiences of 6 queer-identified South Asian youth living in the Greater Toronto Area who speak candidly about identity labels, homophobia, coming out, pride, resiliency, and family. Funding for this film was generously provided by Community One Foundation, an organization that actively supports individuals and groups working towards building and enhancing LGBTTIQQ2S* communities..

For audience members who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identities, we hope this film makes you feel less alone in your journey of coming out and/or coming to terms with your multi-layered identity.

ASAAPs HIV-prevention team delivers ongoing workshops on HIV 101, Healthy Relationships, and Anti-homophobia to students in the public school system, community members and other service providers. This film will be used as a teaching tool when delivering agency workshops with the aim to bring visibility to queer identities within the South Asian community and challenge the tendency to disassociate from issues we assume don't affect us or don't exist in our families and communities. Recognizing the isolation and other social determinants of health of queer people is what inextricably ties queer services to broader HIV prevention and education.

Questions? Comments?
desimen@asaap.ca

CAP Program Highlight: Speakers Bureau

Cascade AIDS Project Speakers Bureau

The mission of CAP’s Speakers Bureau program is to build awareness and understanding of HIV through sharing stories, personal truths, and life experiences in order to mobilize communities to combat the pandemic. Comprised of a diverse group of individuals, CAP’s Speakers Bureau is available to provide a personal perspective of HIV. Whether in a school setting or for a community group, trained speakers will guide audience members through the basics of HIV, share personal stories related to HIV, and inspire participants to actively consider the impact of HIV in their own communities and across the globe.

CAP’s Speakers Bureau seeks to raise awareness and combat stigma, and to that end the Speakers Bureau works with individuals who are either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The speakers represent a broad diversity of backgrounds, while also sharing the common thread of knowing the impact of HIV firsthand. Speakers are well trained to deal with difficult questions and have experience talking with a broad array of audiences, from classroom to workplace, from college campus to community-based organization.

The Speakers Bureau was reconstituted in December 2009. In the first seven months, they were able to reach 864 individuals at 31 separate events. Even more impressive, 45% of Speaker audiences were comprised of people of color and 71% were youth under 19.

To request a speaker, go here. To read more about the Speakers available, go here.

What Speakers are saying:

By going to schools, churches and Migrant camps and sharing her story with others, she earned the respect and trust of the community. To this day, Maricela is active in the community promoting HIV prevention/awareness. “For me sharing my story with other has changed my life forever; it has helped me want to live. I have HIV, HIV does not have me. Why? Because I have it under control and I am not allowing it to control me!” --Maricela

“So, I made an appointment and had an HIV antibodies test. A week later, my doctor’s office was trying to contact me. At 6PM that night, the phone rang and it was my doctor. I knew that something was up. He told me that this was not the way he wanted to break the news to me. Then, several days later, I found out that I was his first HIV+ patient.” –Guy

“I've lost many friends to AIDS, but I've been fortunate to have a very supportive HIV negative husband for 25 years who has helped me get through it all. Although HIV is no picnic, it has helped me grow in ways that I don't believe I would have grown if not for the disease. I am a fighter and my first priority is my health.” --Rachel

What people are saying:

“One student went home on Friday after meeting people living with HIV for the first time and asked her mother if she knew anyone living with HIV. Her mother replied ‘Your Uncle.’ The student was shocked that no one ever told her until now. Thank you for opening dialogues and being willing to tell your stories in hopes that we can prevent future HIV cases.” – 7^th Grade Teacher

“To be perfectly honest, I was a bit nervous when I heard people with AIDS were coming to our school. But now I am happy you came. Thank you.” – 7^th Grade Student

“Sorry we missed you but the speaker did a GREAT job. I am sure that he shared my concerns [about condoms], he came around and did a great job!! I felt that the presentation is huge for these students and I truly appreciate your time! I look forward to seeing you next year!” – High School Teacher

Resources for Youth

Here are some great resources for youth on sexual health, safer sex and HIV/AIDS:

It's Your (Sex) Life
RealTalk DC for youth in the DC area
Scarleteen
YouthResource for GLBTQ youth
Sex, Etc.
Ambiente Joven for Spanish speaking youth
My Sistahs for young women of color
CHATmosphere, a blog by and for youth
Teen Talk

Text your zip code to GYTNOW (498669) or KNOWIT (566948) to receive info on HIV/STD testing sites in your area.

Camp Starlight

Camp Starlight is a week-long residential camp that provides children whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS the opportunity to enjoy a caring, safe, recreational, spiritual, and fun camping experience. Every August since 1999, 65 children ages 5-14 travel to the Oregon Coast to enjoy a week of fun.

This amazing program is happening this week. It is one of the many programs that monies raised at AIDS Walk Portland supports. Please share this video far and wide.

A Day With HIV in America

What does it mean to live with HIV? Positive or negative, we're all affected. On Sept 21, take a picture of daily life & send to Positively Aware at artdirector@positivelyaware.com.

More info can be found here.