Penn Valley Biology Instructor Nancy Harrington has been educating people about human sexuality since 1977. Harrington said she first became involved in AIDS education because, "It was the first life-threatening sexually transmitted disease. This added a sense of urgency to 'where do babies come from?' type of sexual education." That is how sex was taught in schools around the country before the AIDS pandemic in the early 1980s.

Harrington took this sense of urgency and made a life out of it. Having headed up AIDS Walks and fundraisers ever since, she continues her crusade against AIDS right here on campus as a faculty member.

This year the 20th annual Kansas City AIDS Walk will be held Saturday, April 26th. The walk will begin in Frank A. Theis Park, located at 47th and Oak Street, just south of the Nelson Atkins Gallery. Registration starts at 8am and there will be staged performances to entertain. A welcoming ceremony starts at 9am, and by 10am the walk begins.

It is important to remember that walking for AIDS is more than a statement - it's a fundraiser. If you plan to walk, start gathering pledges for how far you think you can go. In 2005, Team MCC-KC consisted of only five Penn Valley students who raised around $50. Last year the team was made up of over 100 walkers - students, faculty, and friends - and raised almost $5,000.

Penn Valley plans to raise more for the AIDS cause this year. If you are unable to attend and would still like to contribute, please visit Harrington's personal fundraising webpage: http://www.firstgiving.com/nancyharrington.

If you would like to join team MCC-KC and raise funds, go to http://www.firstgiving.com/aidswalkkc. You will be asked "Are you a part of a team?" Say yes, and that you are on Team MCC-KC. After that you will be able to design your very own fundraising webpage.

Remember to get creative, don't just stick to pledges. Feel free to put collection jars at local businesses, and promote competition among colleagues, students, and teachers. Participants are encouraged to come up with creative ways to raise money, such as teachers offering extra credit for their students who will walk. Disabled walkers and those in wheelchairs are encouraged to join.

Copyright 2008 Metropolitan Community College