Then, in 2014, an ad on a CTA train for the AIDS Walk changed that. I thought to myself: it's been 5 years, I'm feeling good and doing great...time to give back! And with that, Team Option Up was born, founded my myself and a group of other theatre artists to honor and remember all those our community lost to HIV & AIDS. Now in our 11th year--not even COVID could stop us!--we hope you'll donate and/or join us!

For me personally, each year's Run/Walk is also a way for me honor and remember all those who came before me in the fight against AIDS and changed my life for the better. Those who fought the government, fought drug companies, and literally laid down in the streets. I am in awe of them, I am grateful TO them, and I hope to display just a fraction of the courage they displayed in their lives, in mine.

So this year, I am pushing myself to repeat my goal for the fourth year in a row: $10,000. With your help, I know I can reach it again, to support AFC and all the organizations in Illinois who continue to fight the good fight.

#blacklivesmatter #translivesmatter #stopaapihate #actupfightAIDS