28th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial - Touching Lives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) May 3, 2011 -- On May 15, 2011, The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial will be held in over 1,200 cities and towns in 115 countries making it the largest grassroots AIDS event ever. The annual event, coordinated worldwide by the Global Health Council, commemorates the lives lost to AIDS, demonstrates support for people living with HIV/AIDS, and mobilizes community-based response to HIV/AIDS.

The local observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial will take place on Sunday, May 15, 2011, 4:00PM at the Cornerstone Baptist Church located at 1819 MLK Jr. Boulevard.

According to the Event Chair, Auntjuan Wiley, “The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is an opportunity to honor and remember the more than 25 million people lost to AIDS; to support the 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS; to defend all of those who are not infected with HIV/AIDS. Last year, the event was observed in 115 countries, reaching tens of thousands of people.” The theme of this year’s event is “Touching Lives.”

“With this year’s theme, the Candlelight Memorial wishes to highlight how HIV has touched the lives of many people. “Touching Lives” also refers to how an improved HIV response with more treatment access, better prevention methods and respect for human rights and dignity touches the lives of people living with and affected by HIV. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is an opportunity for each of us to dedicate ourselves – for the first time or once again – to fight against AIDS. We will join together in our commitment to continue our fight against AIDS until the pandemic is over for all people everywhere,” says Event Chair Auntjuan Wiley.

Around the world, Local Coordinating Organizations, which are often community-based AIDS organizations, religious groups, or coalitions of people living with HIV/AIDS, have already begun planning Candlelight events in their areas. Anticipated Candlelight observances include a variety of events, from the lighting of candles and oil lamps in over 200 rural villages in Southwest India to candlelit processions in Latin America to interfaith memorial services held in towns all over the US.

Special guests will include: Councilwoman Carolyn R. Davis, District7, Zachary Thompson, Director of Dallas County Health & Human Services, anointed sounds of Minister Kirby Harden and Company from Dallas, and our Keynote Speakers: Michelle Anderson, Terrance Gilbert and Brianna Lamar.
REAL PEOPLE – REAL LIFE – REAL STORIES

For further information about the local event or to volunteer to help staff event, call Auntjuan Wiley at (214) 455-7316.