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Printer-Friendly ModeCandlelight service marks World AIDS Day
December 5, 2005 —
The Tri-County Thumb Area HIV/AIDS Task Force came to SVSU on Thursday to help spread knowledge about the virus and disease for World AIDS Day.
This year, the theme of World AIDS Day was "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise." This theme was designed to inform the public that the government has promised lower costs for medicines to be more available.
This candlelight service was the conclusion of the five-day awareness week. On Monday, the Tri-County HIV/AIDS Awareness campaign began with volunteers setting up tables with flyers and pamphlets about HIV and AIDS. To support the cause, T-shirts were sold for $5 around campus.
On the back of the shirts was information about the four ways one can contract HIV/AIDS: "Unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, blood and blood products, and transmission from mother to child."
The free candlelight service began at 7 p.m. in the Multi-purpose room. The room was filled with people who had AIDS, lost someone to the disease, volunteered to spread awareness, or simply wanted to know more.
Along the walls were tables that had information about STDs, how to use protection during sexual acts, where health services are in Michigan and reasons why one should visit their doctor regularly. A banner was also available to sign to show support, hope and love.
On program was the SVSU Valley Voices Choir, who sang "My Life is in Your Hands" and "The Reason Why I Sing," by Kirk Franklin. The songs represented hope and assurance that this epidemic will not last.
Speaking about his life's experience with AIDS and how it has changed him forever was Stash Kanyo, who gave his story about how he contracted the disease and what life means to him.
He also wanted the people to know that they could simply wear the red ribbon to remind others about the continuing outbreaks.
"Wearing the red ribbon means you have not forgotten," Kanyo said. "Every time you wear the red ribbon, it gives [those infected] hope."
The service concluded with six candles being lit to represent six groups that are primarily at risk for AIDS. The first candle was for African-Americans, followed by ones for Gays and Lesbians, Women, Latinos, Heterosexuals, and third-world countries. The purpose was to show that everyone is at risk of the disease.
After the candles were lit, the audience was asked to call out names of loved ones whom they lost to AIDS. Then, a prayer was said in remembrance and hope.
Before leaving, everyone was asked to sign a petition asking the government to keep their promise about lowering costs and making more medicines available.