Annual AIDS walk keeps memories, hopes alive

When the first Utah AIDS Foundation Walk for Life occurred 19 years ago, Becky Moss was there.

Saturday at Liberty Park, Moss passed water to those participating in the 10K that wound throughout the city.

Becky is no stranger to the disease — she lost her sister and her nephew to the virus in 1994 and 1995.

Peggy Tingey was 35 and Chance was 4 1/2.

It was a time when the virus was stigmatized — known as "GRID" (gay-related immune deficiency) and believed to only infect homosexual men. Peggy shattered that belief as a married, white woman and by giving birth to an infected child, said Moss.

Peggy and Chance spent the duration of their lives educating people about HIV and AIDS — letting the world know it was a problem that was bigger than anyone was willing admit.

"Peggy spent time stopping the spread of the disease among young women," said Moss. "I am always so honored and proud of my sister."

According to the Utah Department of Health, 1,137 Utahns diagnosed with AIDS have died since 1981. As of Aug. 31, 63 HIV infections and 44 AIDS cases have been reported this year.

A report in 1985 produced by the department found 17 persons living with AIDS in Utah. The Utah AIDS Foundation was established shortly after to educate the community and help those living with the disease. The walk-a-thon was created soon after to raise money and establish more awareness.

With the passing years, the foundation has adapted as knowledge, treatment and needs of those effected by the disease evolve.

"In the beginning it was more about the fund-raiser," said David Ferguson, the foundation's programing director. "A lot of people were not only walking for themselves but for people they had lost to HIV or AIDS. ... Now it's a reunion in some ways."

More than 250 people walked the route Saturday, each wearing a button bearing a name — whether it be their own or in memory of someone. A few buttons honoring Chance and Peggy could be seen scattered through the crowd.

Funds raised from the walk-a-thon pay for the foundation's program outreach, community education and services for Utahns living with HIV/AIDS. The money also provides testing for the diseases and counseling resources. For more information, visit the Web site at www.utahaids.org.

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E-mail: nhale@desnews.com