AIDS Walk Orlando 2008

Hi Bloggerville,

We all know the devastating effects that HIV/AIDS is wreaking on our communities. The African American community, in particular, is being hit very hard. Nearly 70% of all new HIV infections in the U.S. are in black females, most of whom get it from their male partners. Even more disturbing to me is the fact that according to the CDC, black youth comprise the largest single group of young people affected by HIV, accounting for 56 percent of all HIV infections ever reported among those aged 13 through 24 in 2001.


The statistics are frightening not only for me as a woman, but also for what those numbers mean for my future children. More definitely needs to be done to combat the epidemic in our community and we should all start at home. Parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and other loved ones need to sit down and have serious talks with our younger loved ones about HIV/AIDS. They did not grow up seeing images depicting the devastating effects that AIDS can have on individuals that those of us who were around in the 80s and 90s did. We also need to check ourselves and make sure that we are taking the necessary precautions and protecting ourselves so that we do not become a statistic.

Kennedy, Peyton and I have registered as team The Real McCoy for the upcoming AIDS Walk Orlando 2008 in the hopes of making a small difference and we are asking for your support.

AIDS Walk Orlando is a 3K event benefiting and produced by The Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. The Hope and Help Center is a non-profit community-based health organization serving the Orlando metropolitan region. Founded in 1988, the organization is composed of diverse volunteers and staff who provide or facilitate the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive, accessible health care and community services. The Hope and Help Center is committed to ending the suffering of all those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

We are asking that you show your support for our team by making a donation to help raise the much needed funds that provide life saving services to those infected/affected in our community. Secure donations can be made online by going to www.aidswalkorlando.org, clicking "Donate to Team" and selecting "The Real McCoy" from the drop down list.

If you prefer to make a check or cash donation, please let me know. Every dollar helps, so if that's all you have, donate that!

Thanks for your help!

~ S0utherngirl, Kennedy, and Peyton
"The Real McCoy"

Central Florida Gathering

There will be a Central Florida Gathering next Saturday, the 22nd. We will be meeting at 6pm at the Melting Pot at 7549 W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!