Big Bend Cares Hosts 25th Annual AIDS Walk and 5k Run in Tallahassee

Big Bend Cares hosted its 25th Annual AIDS Walk and 5k Run Tallahassee at Cascades Park Saturday.

The 5k run started at 9 a.m., and the walk began at 10 a.m.

This event was to raise money and to spread awareness of HIV and AIDS. The funding will assist victims fighting and living with the disease.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. People who have HIV in their bodies have contracted the infection through sexual intercourse or oral transmission. HIV lives in the semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk of a person with the disease. It can be passed from one person to another through these infected fluids.

Camye Edwards, director of the Prevention and Outreach Services, was eager to help spread awareness to the citizens of Tallahassee by giving participants free rapid HIV test.

“This program will not deny you. We do not refuse anyone from taking an HIV test with our services because HIV and AIDS is alive,” Edwards said.

After finishing, the staunch supporters were engaged in live music, and given a chance to visit sponsor tables swamped with advocacy information.

Amongst the survivors and supporters who mingled and shared their personal experiences was Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Archonette Club member, Laylah Roberts.

As a first-time attendee, Roberts explained that this is something serious and not everyone knows so she’s sharing and caring for those less fortunate in her community.

“I’m glad I got a chance to come to this walk. I knew about AIDS but not the way I do now, i can spread what I’ve learned to my peers” said Roberts.

Paulina Bamgbose, a Big Bend Care health education instructor at FAMU gave free HIV rapid said she wants everyone in the Tallahassee area to know their status.

“It’s important that people get tested. Every three months is a good way to keep up with your status,” Bamgbose said.

More than $2,500 raised by sponsors and registered participants. 

For more information, and if you would like to learn more about becoming a partner in future AIDS Walk, email cadams@bigbendcares.org.