Hull, Massachusetts' Zahn Ready for AIDS Hike in Africa

Jean Zahn was affected by a TV news segment that detailed the plight of South African children orphaned because of AIDS. Now she is preparing for a 75-mile hike through South Africa's rugged mountains next April. The Hull, Mass., resident will be joining at least 145 hikers -- including 17 from Massachusetts -- on the African AIDSTrek, a week-long journey to raise money and awareness for AIDS research. She will sleep in a tent, walk alongside wildlife and climb 4,500-foot mountains along the way. She decided against simply sending a donation in the belief that visibility is important so South Africans can see someone is paying attention. "They have to know we know" Zahn said. "The story has to come out."

The African AIDSTrek is one of 27 fundraising events that will be run next year by Pallotta Team Works, a for-profit organization that says it has contributed $190 million to AIDS and breast cancer research since 1994. Billed as Pallotta's boldest event ever, the trek was developed in response to South Africa's public health crisis. According to Zahn, the experience will force her to face vast cultural differences. "I've never gone into a country where I am the minority," she said. "Am I fearful? No. Am I thoughtful? Yes." Zahn, who teaches spiritual healing techniques, has raised $1,200 of the $10,000 she needs. Since the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington, she said she's been criticized by people who believe her energy would be better spent on domestic causes. However, she believes the attacks reaffirmed her need to reach out. "I look at it as the world," said Zahn. "I think we are here to help each other."

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