Nearly 5,000 people turned out for the 12th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event raised more than $408,000 for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 35 other Chicago-area organizations that provide life-saving services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The opening ceremony at Soldier Field featured remarks by Greg Harris, who is openly HIV positive and serves the 13th District in the Illinois House of Representatives; Dr. Mildred Williamson, HIV/AIDS Section Chief at Illinois Department of Public Health; Joe Hollendoner, First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health; and David Munar, President/CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

The AIDS Run & Walk is about raising HIV awareness. AFC and Test Positive Aware Network offered free rapid HIV testing—made possible by a grant from the Chicago Department of Public Health—and safer sex kits. For more information on how you can support HIV/AIDS research, awareness, and support programs in your community, visit www.AIDSChicago.org.