My family and I enjoy walking - and for a while, I even competed in 5Ks here and there. That was an adventure that led me back to the doctor for an official diagnosis of asthma, and between that and the lung-damage that I've sustained from pulmonary emboli, pneumonia, and the rest, I decided to hang up the running shoes and the 5K competitions.

Regardless, walking is a fun activity that we do as a family - and something that we can also do to raise awareness for different causes that are significant to us. We've walked to cure Juvenile Diabetes, as Type 1 diabetes runs strong on the maternal side of my family. Now we're walking to benefit AIDS research.

We're excited about this, and as I coordinate a group to walk and participate in the event

on September 27, HARC's fund-development coordinator Laura Zain told me that so far, participation is low. I was surprised - Ann Arbor is such an active town, especially with regard to the issues that surround HIV/AIDS research and funding. I'm determined to make a difference in this and challenge you to do the same.

So what's an AIDS Walk doing in the Parenting section of AnnArbor.com? This is a disease that knows no age limits or family-status, and the event is family-friendly. Corporate sponsors from all over Ann Arbor will make their presence known - from Whole Foods to Outdoor Athlete, several different radio stations, to a church. The walk has a new route this year and encompasses three miles of downtown Ann Arbor. T-shirts, light snacks, refreshments from the sponsors, and pizza from Happy's Pizza will round out the event. We'll be walking - and because the route is both kid-and-pet friendly, potentially bringing our newest family member, Cody.

There are no fees to register, but the group is asking for donations to be made on behalf

of those who walk - funds received support the HIV/AIDS Resource Center. HARC's President/CEO, Jimena Loveluck says, "During these tough economic times people with HIV/AIDS need our help more than ever. Events like AIDS Walk Michigan raise important funds to ensure that people with HIV/AIDS continue to get the medical care and housing services they need. In addition, we need everyone to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in our community and the importance of prevention."

If you want to participate, check out the information at AIDS Walk Michigan. There are seven walk-sites throughout our beautiful state, but Ann Arbor's walk will be held on September 27, 1:00 pm, rain or shine.

I'm hoping for "shine," of course, but we'll be there nonetheless. If you join us, please look me up and say, "Hi!" I'd love to meet you.

If you want more information on HIV/AIDS or the resources available to our community in southeastern Michigan, visit the HIV/AIDS Resource Center or call them at 734.572.9355.

Sue is a freelance information-consultant and homeschooling mom who also writes at A Mother's Heart.