Heavy rain and thick fog failed to dampen the spirits of more than 10,000 people, including some from Northwestern, at Chicago’s Run & Walk for AIDS on Sunday.
Bright yellow ponchos given to participants by Chicago’s Office of Special Events, colorful plastic raincoats and spinning umbrellas of all sizes filled Grant Park for a sunrise service. Afterward, runners took off down Lake Shore Drive at 9 a.m., followed by the walkers an hour later.
Leslie DeMonte, co-chairwoman of NU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Support Network, started walking six years ago with her family and friends, but this year, she encouraged members of the NU community to go by e-mailing members of her group.
“I’ve had a number of friends affected by HIV/AIDS, and this shows my support as an advocate of the community,” DeMonte said.
Four NU students met up with DeMonte this year, displaying an LGBT banner throughout the walk.
About 10 members of LGBT originally showed an interest in the walk, but DeMonte said rain held many of the students back. A few NU community members contributed to the event by volunteering to direct participants along the walking path and help out with registration.
“It’s unfortunate that people think AIDS is just involved with a gay lifestyle, but that’s so far from the truth – it affects us all,” said volunteer Taica Shariee, a program assistant in the Weinberg chemistry department.
Many people said they wanted to participate to show that AIDS can affect everyone. A majority of the participants at the walk came to the event motivated by the memory of loved ones who have died from the disease.
One family has walked every year for the past nine years since family member Ron Smith died from AIDS. Each year, the family designs a different T-shirt in remembrance of Smith. This year, each of the members wore a bright blue shirt with the words “Ron Dances with the Angels” and “For Ron We Walk in Love” printed on the front with a picture of an angel.
“We’re here for our son,” said Ron’s father, Rufus Smith. “Ron had walked for two years since he was tested HIV positive, and he wanted us to continue reaching out to other victims.”
Rev. Ed Townley, senior minister at the nondenominational church Unity in Chicago, led the sunrise prayer service. Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh leaders also spoke. With the theme “United We Stand,” the service included prayers and songs celebrating diversity in Chicago.
Each participant registered for $25 and some raised money through pledges. The $200,000 raised from this year’s event will go to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s grants program in support of AIDS prevention, education and care services, said Andrew Hayes, a spokesman for the event. AFC has donated $11 million in grants since 1988, according to a press release.
As the crowds of people approached the finish line drenched from the rain, they continued to cheer loudly in support and remembrance of HIV/AIDS victims and survivors.
“It was great to see so many people show up,” Speech senior Jonathan Lewis said. “It showed solidarity when people continued to keep smiles on their faces despite the rain.”