Walk for Life

Sunday 10th June 2007. It was a beautiful day. That's a day you know you are going to do something different but nice in your life and the weather was surprisingly helpful, even the sky was smiling at you when you strolled out of the front door. With SMS, I told my friends that I am on way to Hyde Park and if they are still ok to join me please drop me a message. Eleven o'clock while I was standing at Hyde Park Corner, I got two positive replies from S and J. Both of them wanted me to meet them at 12.

This event was organized by Crusaid, which working in the UK and Africa directs money, knowledge and support to poor and marginalized people and communities affected by HIV and AIDS. An email regarding this event was dropped into my inbox a week ago, and I followed the links to walkforlife.co.uk and the homepage of Crusaid. To be honest, I wasn't that proactive toward HIV and AIDS issue. I think K and my research on TB have changed me lately.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), AIDS was accused for causing 2.9 million deaths worldwide in 2006, equal to about 7950 deaths a day. If kidnapping a kid can tear the hearts of family members, can you imagine how many people are crying for losing their loved one without being heard while I am writing and you are reading this blog? If occasional suicide bombing in Israel can hit the headline of news, the number of lives taken away by HIV/AIDS everyday should at least wins a permanent position on the front page of newspapers.

I am glad that J, S and I eventually joined the group and started our excursion at 12.30. I think to us it's no different from a social event between friends. However, as so many people walking together, I am sure that someone has made the voice heard and now it is all down to us to make it louder.