Thousands march at AIDS Walk New York 2023 in Central Park
NEW YORK -- Ten thousand New Yorkers took a trek through Central Park on Sunday morning, participating in the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the world.
CBS2 has more on their reasons for walking.
Ending the stigma by marching together. The massive crowd did just that to support the 100,000 New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.
"Thank you for being here. Thank you for walking. Thank you for your hearts and your care," speaker Javier Munoz said.
CBS2 is a proud sponsor of AIDS Walk New York, now in its 38th year. Our very own Dana Tyler and Jesse Mitchell served as emcees, sharing personal stories of their own.
"My uncle actually died from complications from AIDS in the '90s. I was just 5 years old, but I remember it very clearly, what it did to him," Mitchell said.
The 10-kilometer walk through Central Park aims to raise millions of dollars every year. The funds support HIV services provided by the GMHC and other social justice and public health organizations in the Tri-State Area.
"In New York City, there are still about 1,500 people a year who test positive for HIV. HIV and AIDS is not over and we're going to be here at AIDS WALK NY every year until it is," said Jason Cianciotto, GMHC VP of communication and policy.
Although advances in science over the years have greatly reduced the number of deaths, the walk is a reminder of all that still needs to be accomplished.
"The future is hopefully a cure. The future is a day we can comfortably talk about sexual health. The future is a day we can all receive access to testing, care, and treatment," said Jessica Clark of GILEAD Sciences.
A day where the world can be AIDS free.
Watch more interviews from AIDS Walk New York 2023 below:
