I walk to honor the memories and legacies of all those that came before me.

As a gay man born in the mid-eighties, my entire concept of being gay is shaped primarily by the AIDS crisis. A little over nine years ago I began volunteering with my local AIDS Service Organization on Hawai'i Island. Serving as a volunteer changed my life and led me to my passion: HIV care and prevention. Since my days as a volunteer, I have worked in various roles in HIV prevention and HIV care. From HIV testing to community outreach, from education to needs assessments, from hospital visits to home visits, I have have been touched by every part of this field. I have walked with people through their HIV diagnoses while helping others to live well with HIV. This community is special to me.

Over time, many have gone to the realm of our ancestors. I walk for them. I walk to honor their lives and the love they shared. I speak life into their names.