These young teens, from impoverished and underprivileged homes,
many orphaned, are concerned about the growing stigma attached to being HIV
positive. “We want to change society’s perceptions of HIV… We are confident in
our desire to be tomorrow’s leaders.”
Each runner keeps a training journal to track his or her
practice and progress. Their motto is:
Empowering strides to end stigma and discrimination. As a group, they have chosen to dedicate each
40,008 kilometers, which equals one circling of the globe, to memoralize one
young person they know who has died directly or indirectly as a result of
stigma and discrimination.
This first run around the world is dedicated to their dear friend,
Ronewa, who died February 2015, a few
days after her 17th birthday. (A Sad Good-Bye – March 19, 2015).
Please consider assisting these young worriers with
contributions for entry fees, transportation, running shoes and attire.
Thank you!
