September 14, 2009
The 17th annual Louisville AIDS Walk took place on Sunday. The walk, the state's largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser, benefits people living with the disease by contributing to medication co-payments, transportation, counseling, food, housing, children's programs, and legal services. Around 5,000 participants helped raise approximately $180,000. This was the second year pets were invited to the event. "We added the pets to the walk last year to attract additional walkers, and it was very successful," said Brad Hampton, director and organizer of the walk. James and Mary Wesley, who attend the event each year, were grateful for the opportunity to bring their miniature dachshund, Shelby, with them. "Sundays are family days for us, and Shelby is part of our family. She loves to go places with us," Mary said.