2014 Walk On AIDS in New Bedford

Please don't assume that since HIV/AIDS has disappeared from the front pages, that it's also disappeared from the globe. AIDS is still the world's leading infectious disease killer. It stole the life of my wonderful brother-in-law, and according to Yale AIDS Watch, over 3 million AIDS-related deaths occur each year, mostly in Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, Europe and North America.

For over 20 years, a local group called AIDS, Inc. has recognized the needs of local residents with HIV - the AIDS virus. And every year, events raise money to help support their cause, like The Walk On AIDS, held on Saturday, June 21, from Ft. Tabor. Teams of walkers show up to support the ongoing collaboration, like Team Michael, a group of family and friends of Pat and Jackie Hughs, who lost their son, Michael. It's my honor to walk alongside Team Michael every year.

Then on Saturday, June 28, the annual Team Michael Clam Boil will take place at the Portuguese-American Social Club, 26 Columbus St. in South Dartmouth. A delicious clam boil with all the fixing's for a $25 per person donation all going to support and benefit AIDS, Inc. of New Bedford, sponsored by Top Quality Seafood & Shellfish. For tickets and more information call (508) 265-2494, Jim Coutinho and the Walk On AIDS Committee.