Because Chronic Does Not Mean Cured
September 20 - Calgary, Alberta - "I've gone from planning my funeral, to planning my retirement." New
scientific advancements and medical breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS are forever changing the lives of people with the disease; the way they
live, work, and raise families in our communities.
The Alberta Government's recent decision to start covering the drug Complera, and stunning new prevention options
(including the HIV drug Truvada), demand a new vision in how we think about HIV. The disease is no longer fatal. But chronic
does not mean cured. The success of medical science means new and unique challenges are emerging for people with HIV here
in Calgary, and around the world.
"I see a brighter future", says Calgarian Mark Randall, who has had HIV for 25 years. "But I now face a lot of new questions,
about my long term career goals, my financial security, my retirement, maintaining my mental health, and living each day with the stigma
around being HIV positive." Randall is just one of thousands of Albertans facing the same challenges.
On Sunday, September 23rd, hundreds of Calgarians will wake up early, put on their sneakers, and take part in in a 5km walk
to help raise money for the AIDS Calgary Association (ACAA).
AIDS Calgary works to help people with HIV live happy, fulfilled, and meaningful lives. Everything from how to benefit
from the latest breakthroughs in drugs, to what their legal rights are, to how to find a doctor, and sometimes just offering someone
to talk too. And of course our most important message is - how to keep from getting infected.
From toddlers, to grandmothers and everyone in-between - Calgarians will take to the streets to raise money that will
stay in our city to help those living with the disease.
WHAT: Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life
WHEN: Sunday, September 23, 2012
TIME: 10:00AM -2:00PM
WHERE: Eau Claire Market, North Plaza
200 Barclay Parade SW
NOTE: Executive Director, Susan Cress, is available for on-air or telephone interviews regarding the walk anytime
leading up to the walk September 23rd, and at the walk itself. Several AIDS Calgary clients will also be available to speak to the media.
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AIDS Calgary:
AIDS Calgary is a local not-for-profit AIDS service organization that offers support services to individuals who are at-risk for, infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and provides prevention and education throughout the Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Bow Valley regions. For more information, please contact AIDS Calgary at (403) 508-2500 or online at www.aidscalgary.org.
The annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is Canada's most important HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event. During this national event, cities and communities from across the country host Walks to raise funds for local services and programming and to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS. The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life has now raised millions of dollars for community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations since 1996 and has attracted over half a million participants.
For more information, please contact:
Jamie Schneider
Communication Coordinator
AIDS Calgary Awareness Association
(403) 508-2581
Mobile: (403) 616-0575
jschneider@aidscalgary.org
www.aidscalgary.org.
Reproduced with permission -
"AIDS Calgary Awareness Association"
AIDS Calgary
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