AVOL Kentucky hosting annual AIDS Walk in downtown Lexington this Sunday
LEXINGTON, KY. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – AVOL Kentucky will host its annual Kentucky AIDS Walk this Sunday, May 18, bringing together advocates, families, healthcare providers, and community leaders for a day focused on awareness, remembrance, and support for Kentuckians impacted by HIV.
Organizers say the event traces its roots back to grassroots efforts during the height of the AIDS crisis, when community members came together to support loved ones affected by the disease.
“AIDS Walk Kentucky and the walk really started all those decades ago when people living here in Central Kentucky started losing their friends and family members to AIDS,” said Andrew Shayde with AVOL Kentucky. “And they got together in their kitchens and their living rooms and said, somebody’s got to do something. We’ve got to protect and help our family.”
Festivities begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in downtown Lexington, with the walk scheduled to begin just before 2 p.m.
In addition to the walk itself, attendees will be able to enjoy live music, vendor booths, free HIV testing, and a post-walk celebration.
Shayde says organizers intentionally designed the walk to be accessible and welcoming for people of all ages and ability levels.
“So the walk we keep pretty short and accessible for just about anybody,” Shayde said. “Whatever your skill level is in walking, this isn’t a treacherous hike. It’s just an easy, short walk through downtown so that people can get out and be seen and just remind our community of why we’re doing this and why we’re fighting HIV.”
According to AVOL Kentucky, the annual walk serves as one of the organization’s most impactful fundraising events, helping support housing assistance, healthcare access, and HIV prevention programs across the state.
Shayde says while advancements in HIV treatment and prevention have improved outcomes, there is still concern about growing complacency and reductions in federal support for nonprofits.
“But what we’re doing, I think, is we’re getting complacent at a federal level,” Shayde said. “And we’re starting to say things are fine. We don’t need to worry about it. And I’m screaming at the top of my lungs saying we’re going to go back to where we were if we get lazy on this.”
Organizers say community members can participate by walking, fundraising, donating, or simply showing support at the event.
Those interested in registering or donating can visit AVOL Kentucky for more information.
