Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Los Angeles Times (LT) - MONDAY September 29, 1997 Edition: Home Edition Section: Metro Page: 3 Pt. B Word Count: 333
Julie Tamaki; Times Staff Writer
Young and old, fit, flabby or somewhere in between, the walkers flooded Paramount Studios for an opening ceremony that featured celebrity guests.
The event's originator, Craig Miller, roused the walkers by reminding them that they were not only fund-raisers and volunteers, but also messengers spreading the word.
"We are here this morning because we know an epidemic is not over if we're still losing so many people," Miller said.
Moments later, the crowd began winding its way along a 10-kilometer course down some of Hollywood's most famous streets. They walked, jogged and skated beneath a scorching sun.
"I think there's a lot of prejudice against people with AIDS and people who live alternative lifestyles," said Moji Rooney, a college student and mother of four from Placentia. "We should lend a hand and show that we care. If we all do a little, together we can do a lot."
In addition to attracting more than 700 corporate teams, the event drew numerous elected officials, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Los Angeles City Councilmen Mike Feuer and Joel Wachs.
Among the participants were hundreds of students, faculty members and administrators from Cal State Northridge, which registered 1,252 walkers, campus team leader Amy Reichbach said. Campus organizers assembled the largest university team in the event's history last year, with 650 registered walkers.
When it began in 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles attracted 4,500 participants in the first such event in the country. Over the years, the walk has evolved into an annual event for thousands of people to unite in the fight against HIV or to remember a loved one who died of AIDS.
"I really wanted to support the fight against AIDS and to come out today in memory of my brother," Sara Chapin, 19, of Lancaster, said.
CAPTION:
Photo: A group of walkers from Cal State Northridge takes part in AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Sunday. IRFAN KHAN / Los Angeles Times
970929
LT970910
Copyright © 1997 - Los Angeles Times. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Los Angeles Times, Permissions, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. http://www.latimes.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .