For 14 years I have participated in the AIDS Walk for AIDS Outreach Center (AOC) in PFLAG Fort Worth's Walk team. This year I am the team captain for the PFLAG team. 
          In 2008 there is still no cure for AIDS.  The South has the greatest number of people estimated to be living with AIDS, AIDS deaths and new AIDS diagnoses in the U.S.  Although HIV testing is important for prevention and treatment, approximately 25% of those infected with HIV do not know it.
          Despite the amazing advances in treatment of HIV and all the prevention work we participate in, this disease is not going away.  Although medications developed since 1995 have extended the life span of people living with HIV and made it more of a manageable chronic disease, they are not universally successful.  Prevention through education is still very important in fighting the disease because the number of new infections continues to grow.  AIDS Outreach Center’s mission is serving individuals and their families who are living with HIV/AIDS, educating the public about prevention, and advocating for sound HIV public policy.
          As a staff member of AIDS Outreach Center I see first hand the good work that AOC does every day.  As federal funding remained level for three years and decreased last year, AOC has tightened its agency belt and consolidated employee assignments and functions, making best use of every dollar devoted to client services.  There is no “fat” in the AOC budget.  Every staff member is essential to continuing the client services, outreach and prevention education, whether they are in direct services or are support staff.  Every staff member is dedicated to serving our clients and their families.
          AIDS Outreach Center is a remarkable organization that serves a population that is still often marginalized because of the stigma and fear attached to HIV/AIDS.  I am privileged to work with an incredible staff of people who take a stand against the stigma and fear every day they work here.  They give generously of their time and energy and creativity to make the most of every dollar we receive in contributions and grants.  Their enthusiasm and spirit is unbeatable.  That same enthusiasm and spirit can be seen in our wonderful volunteers, some of whom have given their time weekly for years.
          Please join me in spirit as I walk for AIDS Outreach Center. Each year as I walk, I remember my high school friend who died of AIDS back in 1990, long before the amazing new drugs began to appear in 1995. 

          Will you help me celebrate 14 years of service with a contribution to AIDS Outreach Center?  Any amount you can give to support those who serve people living with this disease will be deeply appreciated.

Thank you,
Sharon Salih