Washington: Too Many Remain in Dark About HIV Facts

In a bid to boost AIDS awareness and possibly raise money for HIV research, two HIV-positive men will walk from Spokane to Seattle later this summer. From there, they will embark on a six-month trek across the United States, with the goal of arriving in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day.

Michael Moore and his partner, Mark Heitman, are set to step off in about six weeks. "This trip," said Moore, "is really a metaphor for what it's like to live with HIV. It's mentally, physically and emotionally challenging. Every day you have to wake up and put your best foot forward."

The men say they train every day and are meeting with potential sponsors. Moore takes a twice-daily drug cocktail while Heitman is newly diagnosed and not yet on treatment.

Much of the journey's logistical planning hinges on whether a friend can join the men and drive an RV as a support vehicle. This would allow for mid-day rests and the ability to cook meals, as well as eliminate the need for camping equipment. Moore intends to blog each night about the day's journey, and the RV could house technical equipment.

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