Why We Walk

We walk in memory and honor of our brother, Michael, who died from AIDS in 1994 at the young age of 45. It is a family event - 2 brothers and 3 sisters, along with all of their families and friends of the family. It has become a tradition. We all look forward to raising funds and doing the walk. It is a pleasure to do the AIDS WALK New Jersey - Our family comes from NJ, PA, CO, CA and NY, so we eagerly get together to do the walk for Michael as well as all other persons who are missed because of AIDS.

When I look back on the thirty years of friendship Greg (L) and I shared, memories of our first day of kindergarten, sleigh rides in his backyard, high school graduation and silly theme parties (pictured) flood my brain. For all of these memories, AIDS WALK New Jersey is important to me. For all of the new memories that we will never make, AIDS WALK New Jersey is important to me. For the future of my two children, AIDS WALK New Jersey is important to me. For all of the other friends out there who will cherish old memories, AIDS WALK New Jersey is important to me. Live life to the fullest and love like you've never loved before.

The "Care to Walk" team was thrilled to be a part of the 2004 AIDS WALK New Jersey. A few Johnson & Johnson employees (Maria, Alison and Lauren) and a school teacher (Deirdre) came together to fundraise, walk and donate money for a few simple yet powerful reasons. As a bunch of young women, they realize how HIV/AIDS has impacted the lives of people "just like them", each team member knew someone affected by the disease and each woman is committed to helping the NJ community in which they and their friends/family live and work. It was such a rewarding feeling to raise a large amount of money for the cause and walk that day in support of the vision of the Hyacinth Foundation that there is no doubt these women will be walking in 2005! The "Care to Walk" team will be back better than ever with a larger team and higher fundraising goal!