"I'm smiling, my whole team is smiling. Each person at that finish line is smiling."

Today, LifeWalk is colorful, lively, and full of hope. When LifeWalk began in 1990, it was a chance for the community to comfort each other through the heartbreaking reality of the many lives lost to HIV/AIDS and raise much needed funds. Through 26 years of raising funds and awareness, you have changed the landscape of HIV. Because you have walked and stood up for this cause, there are life-saving medications, caring case management, quality inclusive medical care, and many, many support services. You saved lives. You brought the “life” into LifeWalk.

Each of us has our own story- a journey that connected our hearts and steps to LifeWalk. The motivation to first join looks different on all of us. As a lesbian, Hispanic, female, Liz joined two years ago. She found LifeWalk through her employer KPMG’s Pride Network and is currently the co-captain of the KPMG LifeWalk team.

"I'm smiling; my whole team is smiling. Each person at that finish line is smiling.” Liz tells us that this is her favorite part of LifeWalk. “Everyone walked and everyone has that same smile. You look around and you don't know who has HIV and who doesn't; it doesn't matter. We're one family. I feel so proud; together we are accomplishing something so important. HIV/AIDS is a terrible disease; it's painful and heartbreaking. And in the face of that pain, everyone has come together; we're here together, working together to save each of their lives."

So, why should you join LifeWalk this year? Liz answered “Why not? What do you have to lose? Joining LifeWalk connects you to friends and creates relationships with strong familial bonds. Join the family.”

LifeWalk has a 26 year old history, but its future is still being written. Join us, October 9th at Lee Park. The festival will open at 11 am; the walk will begin at 1. Grab a friend or come by yourself and experience the abundance of joy and hope. See all the smiles at the finish line, and as Liz says, “Join the family.”

Left: Liz Martinez at the KPMG Burrito Sale on Fri. Sept. 30th. Right: Liz and her partner, Amber Roman, at the 2016 LifeWalk Kickoff Party.