Newsroom

CORVALLIS - An Oregon State University student has organized a charity walk-a-thon with donations supporting a fund for women with AIDS.

The 5-kilometer walk (or run) be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18, at OSU. The non-competitive event will begin on Jefferson Street between Langton Hall and the OSU Book Store, and continue through campus to the covered bridge.

The event, called "Walk the Talk," was organized by Nikia Braxton, an OSU senior from Portland enrolled in the University Honors College.

"HIV and AIDS are becoming more prevalent in my generation and I felt it was important to raise awareness of what is happening around us," said Braxton, who is majoring in psychology, sociology and philosophy at OSU. "People of my age are especially at-risk, and this walk seems like a way to actively spread the word."

There is no entry fee for the event, but participants are asked to make a donation to the Valley AIDS Information Network to support 12 Benton County women diagnosed with AIDS, or who are HIV-positive, Braxton said.

"We'll also be selling balloons for $1 and encouraging people to write the names of family members or friends who have had AIDS," she added.

The event is supported by OSU's Student Health Services, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and the Health Promotion and Education Club.

Registration for the walk will begin at 9 a.m. on April 18.