| areness has grown immensely over the past few | | | | they are 35 years old. Every year this disease |
| years as people have become more educated about | | | | becomes larger and awareness is needed in order to |
| the diseases associated with it. However, there still | | | | help stop this epidemic around the world. There are |
| are still a lot of misunderstood issues surrounding how | | | | various ways to raise awareness and it is easier than |
| someone can get Aids. Aids stands for Acquired | | | | you may think it is. |
| Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is caused by HIV | | | | World Aids Day is on December 1st every year now. |
| (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a virus that | | | | It was started in 1988 and is designed to help raise |
| gradually attacks immune system cells. As HIV | | | | funds, increase awareness, fight prejudice and |
| progressively damages these cells, the body | | | | improving education. Organizations all over the world |
| becomes more vulnerable to infections, which it will | | | | are finding ways to accomplish these goals with |
| have difficulty in fighting off. The body then reaches | | | | walks or fundraising events. Red ribbons are the |
| the point of very advanced HIV infection and | | | | symbol used to help raise awareness at many of |
| that’s when a person is said to have AIDS. It | | | | these functions. Red ribbon merchandise is sold at |
| may be years before HIV has damaged the immune | | | | fundraisers and the profits are donated to the local |
| system enough for AIDS to develop. | | | | charities as a way to show support for this cause. |
| According to recent studies, there are now 33.4 | | | | Products come in a wide variety of choices such as |
| million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million | | | | jewelry, clothing and ribbons. Each type of |
| children. The vast majority of people with Aids or | | | | merchandise has its own appeal and you can find |
| HIV live in middle or lower income countries around | | | | something for everyone who wants to show their |
| the world/ However, HIV is a major threat to every | | | | support. |
| man, woman and child around the globe. In 2008, | | | | You can begin your cause by helping raise awareness |
| approximately 2.7 million people became newly | | | | for Aids and HIV. Start a fundraising project and get |
| infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million | | | | involved with this very needy cause. No effort you |
| people died from the AIDS virus. Nearly half of all | | | | can provide is too small. If you need help getting |
| people who become infected with HIV do so before | | | | started visit this very helpful website today. |
| they are the age of 25 and die from AIDS before | | | | |