A thank you for all of the support

Hi everyone,

This past Sunday, the 14th, I was honored to attend and participate in the Annual Portland HIV/AIDS Walk. The day began for me as many days do... I poured some coffee, brushed my teeth, and hopped on my bike. Luckily for me and the event, the day was perfect. Cycling over the Broadway Bridge, to the walk, from NE Portland to downtown was a rather surreal experience; the morning mist was covering the entirety of the Willamette River and that inexplicable biting and crisp multi-sensory association that so many have with autumn was vividly present. I had some time to really reflect on the importance of continuing to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and to marinate a bit on the people both strangers and friends alike who took some time and sponsored my walk.

I could tell the day was going to be a great one as soon as I met up with my friend who would participate in the walk with me. She asked how I had done with fund-raising. It was at that point that I looked over at her with a grin and excitedly told her that my sponsors and I had collaboratively raised more money than our initial goal.

So thank you everyone, thank you for sponsoring me in raising money to contribute to the global HIV/AIDS fight.

I must say it was quite inspirational and equally saddening to see 10,000 people marching for the same cause. The one image that truly stuck out to me this past Sunday--reminding me of just how important this cause is was that of a young boy, probably no more than seven years old. He wore a coat that said in red type--I walk for my mommy.

I instantly thought of how many children internationally are orphaned by the disease and how many more of those children are born HIV positive. This problem necessitates the minds of the world and the support of everyone.

Again,

Thank you all for directly supporting those around the world who are HIV positive and coping with the array of issues that come with the diagnosis.

We surpassed our fund-raising goal this year and the walk was an enormous success.

-Brian Fiore - Silfvast