For more than 25 years, Antioch University Los Angeles has participated in AIDS Walk Los Angeles and this year marked the second-largest team ever with more than 50 Antioch walkers. The team, aptly named Antioch Walks, included AULA’s Provost Dr. Mark Hower, new students also new to this event, old-time activists, teachers, students, staff, and two dogs. Team Antioch Walks raised $6,183 and ranked 23rd in a field of 100’s of teams from much larger institutions.
“This year’s Walk felt infused with the warmest, most loving and open-hearted energy,” said Antioch Walks Team Captain Dr. Joy Turek, Chair of the Psychology Department. “Antiochians walked next to me and then didn’t, then others would, then still others appeared and disappeared. We all seemed to flow together and apart so agreeably that the effort of the walk disappeared. I had some interesting conversations, hearty laughs, and new revelations, all while engaged in the crucial activity of keeping Aids/HIV awareness on the public’s radar.”
AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2019 took place Sunday, October 20, 2019. The six-mile route began and ended at the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, with walkers filling the surrounding Downtown L.A streets. Each member of the team received a t-shirt with Antioch Walks on it.
“When it was over, I was incredibly grateful for my sore feet and happy heart,” added Turek.
The money raised supports AIDS research and to help those living with HIV. The money raised benefits APLA Health, which provides services in four key areas: primary medical care, dental, behavioral health and HIV specialty care, critical HIV support services (including the nation’s largest food bank for people living with HIV – the Vance North Necessities of Life Program), HIV prevention and education programs, and advocacy to ensure continued care.
