Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers left fielder and reigning National League MVP, has been named the honorary chair for AIDS Walk Wisconsin 2012.
“I am honored to be a part of AIDS Walk Wisconsin 2012,” Braun said. “AIDS is still impacting too many of our friends, family members and neighbors. I am proud to do whatever I can to help raise awareness and generate support to strengthen the fight against AIDS.”
AIDS Walk is the state’s largest AIDS fundraiser, with $10.5 million raised since it was started 22 years ago. Proceeds of the event are used locally to provide HIV prevention, care and treatment services at places like the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, which organizes the event.
There are more than 6,000 people confirmed to be living with HIV in Wisconsin and about 1,700 Wisconsinites have HIV but don’t yet know it, according to the ARCW.
“HIV continues to be a major public health threat in Wisconsin requiring our constant attention. In 2011, reported new HIV infections in Wisconsin were up 18 percent over the previous year,” said Michael J. Gifford, ARCW President and Chief Executive Officer. “With Ryan’s strong support, we know we can raise the funds needed to help curb new infections while making sure everyone with HIV gets the health care and medications they need to live a long, healthy life.”
Poverty can be a major barrier to HIV/AIDS treatment, since the most effective medications can cost more than $2,000 per month, according to the ARCW.
“I appreciate all the support I have received in Wisconsin,” Braun said. “Now, just like in baseball, we all need to join in a team effort to support the fight against AIDS. That’s why I am asking people in every corner of the state to register for AIDS Walk Wisconsin.”
MillerCoors and Brewers Community Foundation are the corporate sponsors of the event, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee. For more information, to register or to become a corporate sponsor, visit www.aidswalkwis.org.
