Putting one foot in front of the other in an activity commonly referred to as walking is good for you and others - especially when the walkers have the goal in mind of ending AIDS.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the 24th annual South Sound END AIDS Walk will be held.  

Sponsored by the Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF), the walk itself is a 2.5-mile loop beginning and ending by the First Base Gate at Cheney Stadium, located at 2502 South Tyler Street in Tacoma.

Registration and check-in for the walk begin at 9:30 a.m.  There will be plenty of music and a brunch bar.  A short program is scheduled for 11 a.m. with the walk beginning shortly thereafter.

The walk benefits PCAF and is part of a series of END AIDS Walks promoted by a statewide collaboration between PCAF, Lifelong (Seattle), and the Spokane AIDS Network.

"While a great community event that raises awareness, it is also a fundraiser to help us cover costs that we can't otherwise cover," explained Jill Rose, PCAF's development and communications director, during a telephone interview.

"Rain or shine, the walk will take place," Rose said with a laugh.  "Finishing the walk is the best finish line you will cross."

Two other END AIDS Walks will be held in Seattle and Spokane Sept. 26th.

"We expect several hundred walkers - people who come together to make a difference."

The Washington State Department of Health reports that the number of both new infections, as well as individuals living with HIV who progress to AIDS, has declined in recent years.

Approximately 12,000 people live with HIV infection in Washington state, and roughly 60 percent of those individuals live in King County.

Due to better testing and treatment options, the annual number of new HIV infections in America has remained relatively stable.  However, approximately 50,000 Americans become infected with HIV annually.

The Center for Disease Control, or CDC, estimates that 1.2 million people ages 13 and older in this country are living with HIV infection.

"The END AIDS Walk helps end this important issue," Rose continued.  

"Things have gotten better, but we still need to reduce the stigma and continue to work towards ending AIDS."

This sounds like a good idea to get out and put one foot in front of the other.

For more information or to register, visit www.endaidswalk.org.