On Saturday, August 17th, the drama club carried on a long standing tradition in supporting the community by participating in the Festival for Life AIDS Walk. The event is organized by the Colorado Health Network and consists of a 5K run and walk for anyone wanting to show support for people affected by AIDS. 

HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the immune system and causes AIDS. AIDS is the last stage of HIV when the body can no longer fight off infections. While there are treatments that can slow the disease’s progress, there is no cure once you contract the disease. For this reason, prevention and engaging in safe sex is very important. Above all else, abstinence is the safest way to insure your health. 

The Colorado Health Network strives to educate and offer support for individuals affected. A 5k run kicks off the day while health booths, food trucks, and live music set up. Each runner pays a 40 dollar fee to raise money for educational and prevention resources. The booths also offer resources such as pamphlets, condoms, and places to go to get treatment. After the run, there is an opportunity for people to walk the 5k for free. This is what the drama club, and myself, participated in. It was 90 degrees outside, but we all suffered through the heat to show our support for an amazing cause. 

But why is this an important cause for teenagers to participate in? 

Anna Ames, the drama club president, adds that “Within the theater world, countless lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. It has taken a large toll on the LGBTQ+ community, which many of our drama club members are a part of. By making donations and walking for awareness every year, we show support for every singer, actor, and artists affected by the disease.” 

By educating people early, the chance of people contracting HIV/AIDS lessens. People must have the tools and knowledge available to them in order to stay healthy. The AIDS walk is the perfect setting to do this by raising awareness while celebrating the lives affected by this disease.