AIDS Run & Walk brings Chicago athletes into the fight against HIV/AIDS

Since 1991, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has hosted the AIDS Run & Walk every year as part of the movement to end the HIV epidemic. This year's run will take place on Saturday, September 28th.

By Ariel Paul

The AIDS Run & Walk raises funds for AFC and over 25 partner organizations to ensure people living with HIV have access to medication, healthcare and even winter coats.

“The motto is 'Show Up, Show Out,'” said Simone Koehlinger, program director at AFC. “It's an opportunity to showcase yourself, be authentic and support each other.”

Last year, 2,000 participants attended in person. Many who aren't attending in person are participating virtually or donating online, Koehlinger said. Last year, the AIDS Run & Walk raised over $550,000 for AFC and community partners. Koehlinger said they're expecting a similar turnout this year.

“I think that with all the political fundraising going on, people's attention and money are understandably focused elsewhere. But we still expect to see the same level of presence and generosity leading up to the event as in years past,” Koehlinger said.

Koehlinger first participated in the run and walk in the early 2000s, before she even worked for AFC.

“It's a wonderful day,” Koehlinger said. “Thousands of people are here together to remember those we've lost, to celebrate successes, and to give it our all again and recommit to the road ahead. That's still an issue for so many people. And that's why it keeps us awake. It keeps us alert.”

Chicagoan Sergio Rodriguez added, “I didn't know much about the AIDS crisis or all the details. My first year, I only signed up because one of my colleagues was working on it. I learned so much through my involvement.”

Rodriguez has been raising money for the AIDS Run & Walk since 2013. At first he only walked, but now he runs the 5K. His goal is to complete the course in under 30 minutes.

“I love the energy,” Rodriguez said. “I like when they have the AIDS memorial blanket or quilt. It adds a new dimension to the march. I love that everyone is there for different reasons but supporting the same cause. Everyone has a different connection to it.”

AFC coordinates the Getting to Zero Illinois project with the Illinois and Chicago health departments. The project is a statewide initiative to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. AFC and Center on Halsted provide HIV testing and resources through the HIV Resource Center.

“We're seeing fewer diagnoses every year, but we're not seeing the changes we want to see in all communities,” Koehlinger said, noting that HIV disproportionately affects the black, Latino, transgender, gay and bisexual communities. “I also think we've seen a greater understanding of how much stigma can drive this epidemic. And while we're certainly not out of the woods in terms of stigma, I think people who have had the courage to live openly with HIV have broken down a lot of barriers.”

Chris Pazdernik took part in the AIDS Run & Walk in 2014, just five years after being diagnosed with HIV in 2009. He has led a team for the event ever since, along with his co-captain Missy Aguilar.

“I was at the CTA, of all places, and saw an ad for the AIDS Walk and thought, 'Now that I'm feeling better, I want to give back to the community that helped me so much when I was struggling with my diagnoses,'” Pazdernik said.

On her birthday, Pazdernik, who has many ties to the Chicago theater community, organizes a fundraiser called “Belting for Life.” All proceeds from ticket sales go to charity. For the past two years, they have benefited AFC.

“The march itself is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Pazdernik. “Because it's the one day when it feels like our achievements as a community and the dignity of people living with HIV are being celebrated rather than kept secret. It's always a great feeling to be there on this day and see so many people standing up for HIV and AIDS and raising awareness.”

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