Two years ago Native Americans walked from California to DC to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the "Longest Walk" to create awareness concerning Native American issues. When they stopped in the Kansas City area, I was privileged to talk to several of the walkers. One woman, a member of the Maori of New Zealand, made the statement "Sometimes the walking is the only thing that makes sense". Many indigenous cultures teach that when we walk, the vibrations of our footsteps are felt as a prayer by Mother Earth.

I did have a friend who died of AIDS over 10 years ago. I also have several friends who are HIV positive, and I have many friends who support this event each year, whether they are walking or volunteering their money or time. I walk for all of these people and I walk for our Kansas City community.

Each year, rain or shine, thousands of people join together to create awareness and raise money for members of our community who have, are or may be impacted by AIDS. We pray together; we cry together together and we create hope together. The AIDS WALK in Kansas City is the largest community prayer event we have. You can feel the love.

I walk for all of this. I walk for the love. Because sometimes the walking is the only thing that makes sense.

L. VanBibber AIDS Walker