THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 27, 1995 TAG: 9510270054
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER RIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
THE NUMBERS of AIDS and HIV-positive cases are on the rise in Hampton Roads, but so is the effort to educate people about the disease. Part of this effort is the Hampton Roads' AIDS Walk for Life, and plenty of young people are getting involved.
``AIDS is a major teen issue, so it makes sense that teenagers get involved,'' said Rosei Panos, a senior at Lake Taylor High.
Rosei and other Lake Taylor students are among many groups of young people who plan to participate in the Nov. 5 fund-raiser. The walk, sponsored by the Hampton Roads AIDS Walk Foundation, is a 5K, pledge-per-kilometer event. Proceeds benefit area agencies that provide medical and social support for people living with AIDS and their families.
Walk planners are expecting as many as 5,000 participants and are hoping to raise 25 percent more money than last year, at least $125,000.
Amee Fansler, director of youth ministry at the First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, plans to get her youth group involved in the walk.
``The AIDS issue concerns me as youth director because teens are always saying that they know all the facts about AIDS, but the infection rate continues to increase,'' Fansler said. ``By involving my group in the walk, I am helping to further educate them.''
Walks will take place in Norfolk and Hampton. In Norfolk, participants will meet at Harbor Park and walk along the riverfront. In Hampton, walkers will meet at Queensway Mall. Registration in both locations begins at 1 p.m.
Pledge forms are available at Blockbuster Music, Video Express, Waldenbooks and local YMCAs. Call the AIDS Walk information line at 531-2437 (AIDS). MEMO: Jennifer Riddle is a senior at Lake Taylor High School.
by CNB