AIDS Fundraiser Challenges All to 'Climb Every Mountain'...Literally

LAWRENCE, KS (June 28, 2007) – On September 22 and 23, thousands of Americans are expected to climb mountains, hills and even stairs as part of the first-ever “Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up” fundraiser. Held by American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) and the American Alpine Institute, the “climb-a-thon” will raise much needed funds to send life-saving anti-retroviral (ARV) medication to children affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Without the necessary medicine provided by AFCA, half of the children in East Africa affected by AIDS will not live to see their second birthday,” said Tanya Weaver, executive director, American Foundation for Children with AIDS. “This fundraiser is an easy way for people to show their support, and help change the course of so many lives. The goal of AFCA is simply to get people across the nation and world moving for the children of East Africa.”

Climbers, walkers, and riders will collect pledges for each completed challenge. Climbs can be as simple as stair walking or wall climbing, or for more experienced climbers, boulder, ice or mountain climbing. Participants can register to by visiting www.climbupsokidscangrowup.com.

"Children should have the chance to dream of what they want to be when they grow up, attend school, and play with friends,” said Weaver. “I encourage climbing and outdoor enthusiasts alike to “climb up” so that kids may grow up.”

American Foundation for Children with AIDS is an independent international humanitarian aid organization established in 2004. AFCA is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization incorporated in the state of Kansas, USA. The mission of AFCA is to improve the lives of children and youth struggling with the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We provide cost-effective relief, services, medical and social support, education and advocacy to help these individuals achieve their full life potential.

AFCA believes that true success is achieved through collaboration with qualified local professionals. To this end, we partner with the following agencies to deliver quality, donated anti retroviral medications and supplies to HIV positive children and their caretakers in Mulago Hospital in Kampapa, Uganda; Archdiocese of Mombasa in Mombasa, Kenya; Voi Children’s Health Program in Voi, Kenya; and St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information visit www.helpchildrenwithaids.org.