Vigils Keep HIV-AIDS Fight Alive

LAKELAND | A candlelight AIDS vigil at Twin Lakes Park in Lake Alfred on Tuesday evening was a multi-church gathering that drew 50 or more people, some from as far away as Lakeland.

Its organizers hope the event, a first for them, will lead to more World AIDS Day activities in future years.

Observances during the day and evening at Florida Southern College marked a 10th annual World AIDS Day Celebration of Life in Lakeland that continues to grow.

Close to 300 people took part in various FSC-Friends Together events, including 86 who got HIV testing. Others walked and provided education.

More than 100 attended an evening blend of food, music, prayer, poetry and remembrance.

Cathy Robinson-Pickett, organizer of the advocacy group Friends Together, urged students at that evening dinner to become "torch bearers" who will continue fighting HIV-AIDS.

Polk County had about 1,600 people living with either HIV or AIDS at the end of 2008.

An estimated 56,300 people nationwide get infected each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While praising the love and support she saw in the room, Robinson-Pickett, a longterm AIDS survivor, said many battles remain.

"HIV rates are soaring," she said. "Resources are drying up and advocacy has lost its way."

AIDS has impacted all races and age groups, others said.

Another Lakeland speaker, an HIV-infected teenager who didn't want her name used, said she's encountered hostility from some students who learn she has the virus.

Friends support her, she said, including those she met through Friends Together.

Participants in both World AIDS Day events combined sadness for people who have died from AIDS and a more-hopeful determination to do what they can for those who are living with AIDS or HIV.

At Lake Alfred, Theresa Manning of Lakeland held a picture of her sister, whom she said died because of AIDS.

Pastors prayed and people living with HIV spoke at the Lake Alfred event.

Its sponsors were the city, Wings of Love, Church of God By Faith, First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred and New Life Praise and Worship Ministries.

Survivors and advocates will unite again Saturday at a community breakfast being held at Wilfred Smith Community Center in Winter Haven, to speak for greater awareness. .

[ Robin Williams Adams can be reached at robin.adams@theledger.com or 863-802-7558. Read her blog at robinsrx.blogs.theledger.com. ]