There’s a lot going on in our community right now. On top of the dozens of things that always claim your time we’re facing a historical presidential election, a statewide proposition battle, local campaigns and more. All of these things are important. All of these things need your attention, need your support and need you to take action.

But we also have a promise to keep.

Until there’s a cure, we’ll keep walking. It’s the promise we made when AIDS Walk began and, unlike some promises, it’s an easy one to keep.

There was a time when people barely dared to say the word AIDS out loud. The disease was terrifying and mysterious. Friends and family were dying left and right and no one knew exactly why. Every week there were new claims about what caused AIDS and the ways it could be transmitted – and most of them were wrong. The only thing anyone knew for certain was AIDS was a death sentence. You could be seemingly healthy one day and gone weeks later.

The world has changed a great deal since the early days of the epidemic. We know how to prevent the transmission of the disease. We have effective treatments for those who are infected. We’ve made so much progress, but the battle is far from over. AIDS is still with us.

Did you know that here in San Diego County there’s a new AIDS diagnosis every day or that San Diego County has the third highest number of AIDS cases in the state of California, which has the second highest rate of AIDS cases in the United States?

AIDS Walk San Diego is San Diego’s largest one-day HIV/AIDS fund-raiser and the biggest non-governmental financial provider for HIV/AIDS in San Diego County. Dozens of agencies – serving thousands of clients – rely on funds raised at the annual AIDS Walk to help provide essential prevention and care programs to thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Since 1989, AIDS Walk San Diego has raised more than $7 million thanks to the efforts of people just like you. Last year, in partnership with the San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative, more than $480,000 was distributed to nearly 30 community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations in San Diego County.

Join us for this year’s event on Sunday, Sept. 28 in beautiful Balboa Park – it’s a great way to get involved, meet new people and make a difference for the 16,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in San Diego County. You’ll be one of the thousands of San Diegans who give of their time, energy and money to improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. It’s a simple way to make a real difference.

You can register quickly and easily online at www.aidswalksd.org. Once registered you’ll be able to set up your own AIDS Walk page, find tips and tools for fund-raising, and much more.

Don’t be afraid to ask. Most people say they would give if asked. Chances are that your friends and family really care about people living with HIV/AIDS and will want to help. Send an e-mail to everyone you know asking them to sponsor you as you take part in AIDS Walk San Diego.

Of the one million Americans living with HIV/AIDS, as many as 250,000 do not know they are infected. Know your status by getting an HIV test at any of the county’s free and anonymous HIV testing sites. Knowledge is half the battle!

For information on where to get tested, visit the AIDS Walk San Diego Web site at www.aidswalksd.org.

Your participation really matters. It is your ongoing support and the support of thousands like you that has made AIDS Walk an essential part of the fight to end AIDS in San Diego County.