Since 2002, the number of women and children living with HIV has increased in every part of our Nation. In the United States, AIDS disproportionately affects African American and Hispanic women, with AIDS ranked among the top three causes of death for African American women aged 35-44 (CDC data). Asian women are also increasing their percentage of this dreadful disease. The changing faces of HIV/AIDS have gone from white gay males to racially and ethnically diverse populations. An estimated 900,000 Americans are living with this disease, many of whom are our children. African Americans and Hispanic children make up the highest percentages of children cases of HIV/AIDS: Hispanic children account for 20% of total AIDS diagnosed through 2002 and African American children account for up to 71% of all HIV diagnosed in 2002. I thank all sponsors, walkers, workers and supporters who have helped to make this Walk a success. Please join me as we WALK FOR LIFE!.

Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald