AIDS is a tragic disease ravaging the world killing millions of people. This year an estimated 4.3 million new cases have been diagnosed. Approximately 2.9 million will die of the illness. Some people see AIDS as Africa’s problem.
AIDS is not just a problem in Africa. It is a worldwide epidemic.
A team of four Cabrini students are bringing AIDS awareness home in hopes of getting support for the cause. Kristie Begin, Jessica Storm and Kathleen Flynn have joined Bridget Flynn on devising a plan of action for the Cabrini campus.
The campaign began when the founder Flynn attended various conferences that grabbed her interest about AIDS. That’s when she decided to bring AIDS awareness a little closer to home.
“It affects every person. We are one human family,” Flynn said.
Roughly two million children under the age of 15 are living each day with AIDS. More than 15 million children around the world have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
“Children are a part of this human family and they need our help the most,” Flynn said.
All the events planned are lead up to World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is Saturday, Dec. 1.
Prior to World AIDS Day Cabrini will have World AIDS Week. On Nov. 26th in the evening, Villanova hosted AIDS speaker Robert Makunu. Mukunu, an AIDS representative who works for Catholic Relief Services in Kenya, spoke about why people should care about AIDS. Prior to that, in the afternoon, several Cabrini communication classes heard Makunu speak.
Transportation was provided from the Cabrini campus to the event off campus.
Nov. 27 Makunu spoke to the Cabrini community at 6:30 p.m. from West Residence Hall. The entire Cabrini community is encouraged to attend.
Other events such as a ribbon making party and poster signing will take place throughout the week.
The week will end with a Candlelight Prayer Vigil on Nov. 30 on the commons at 8 p.m.
World AIDS Day will start off with Cabrini’s first annual AIDS walk. The walk will take place at the Dixon Center. A registration fee of $5 will be collected in order to participate in the event.
After the AIDS walk a symbolic “Red Tree” will be dedicated to all those who suffer with AIDS. Following the “Red Tree” dedication a dodge ball tournament will be held at the Dixon Center.
The World AIDS Day festivities will end later that day with an open-mic night.
Information regarding AIDS and ways to help will be available at each event throughout the week as well as on World AIDS day.
The proceeds from all of the events during the campaign will be donated to the Catholic Relief Service program that benefits AIDS orphans.
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