Thousands of people turned out for the 42nd annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Sunday, filling West Hollywood Park on what turned out to be a beautiful October morning. Yes, it was hot, but what’s not to love about a city coming together for a good cause?
Some came to raise money, some to remember friends and loved ones lost to AIDS, and others simply because this is something they’ve been doing for years. Whatever brought them out, it was a good day to be together, and a pretty good example of what can happen when a community continues to show up for one another.
And then there was Laurie Green. She came to AIDS Walk on her own, using a walker and wearing a T-shirt from last year’s event. Laurie had participated last year and wasn’t about to miss this one. We met her among the thousands at West Hollywood Park, and I couldn’t help but admire her determination. She wasn’t with a group or a fundraising team. Just Laurie and her walker, back for another year. Of all the people I met Sunday, she’s the one I’ll remember most. Meeting her made my week.
Her T-shirt from last year’s walk carried the message, “Community Is the Cure.” It’s as true today as it ever was…