AIDS Walkers take the Journey of a Lifetime! In July, a group of 20 Foundation supporters participated in the Foundation's fifth AIDS Walk Africa, our premier international fundraising and awareness-building event. Walkers trekked through Swaziland's beautiful countryside, visiting Foundation-supported clinics, and meeting children and families, and community health workers and representatives from the Ministry of Health. On the last day, they all worked together to build a playground and a covered outdoor waiting area at the Mkhulamini Clinic, leaving a very meaningful legacy in Swaziland. Follow along on their incredible journey with the Virtual Walk.

PEPFAR Reauthorization Passed by Senate The U.S. Senate, on July 16, voted to reauthorize the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief at a record funding level for a global health initiative. The legislation, which authorizes $48 billion for the next five years of the program, was set to expire this year. Importantly, the Senate bill also includes crucial targets to dramatically expand efforts to reach women and their children. More on PEPFAR.

Foundation President Addresses Communication Workers Foundation President Pam Barnes spoke at the 70th annual Communications Workers of America convention in Las Vegas this June, thanking CWA's members for their years of supporting the Foundation's work. The convention was the last for CWA Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Easterling, a close friend of Elizabeth Glaser and a Foundation Board member, who is retiring after years of dedicated service. Photos from the convention.

Foundation-funded Scientists Honored Two scientists from the Foundation research family, Dr. Paul Bieniasz and Dr. Grace Aldrovandi, were recognized for their work in medical research. Dr. Bieniasz was appointed a distinguished Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, while an article co-authored by Dr. Aldrovandi was published in the prestegious New England Journal of Medicine in July More.

Supporter Spotlight:
The Rikkers Family

Call it a feeling, a connection, a bond. Call it innate, but call it authentic! Jennifer Rikkers has always felt a kinship with mothers in Africa, and, in December, decided this was the year she would join the Foundation's AIDS Walk Africa. One afternoon in May, her family hosted a fundraising event complete with a live band, food, and games to raise money to help send her on her journey. More.

Foundation, GWU Celebrate Partnership's First Anniversary The Foundation and George Washington University's School of Public Health (SPHHS) recently celebrated the first anniversary of their partnership. This collaboration aligns the University's expertise in public health with the Foundation's work fighting pediatric AIDS around the world. More.

Standard Bank Aids Swaziland Community Standard Bank, a global financial group based in South Africa, made a generous contribution of $10,000 to the AIDS Walk Africa Fund, supporting one of the Foundation's signature fundraising events. This generous gift funded the 2008 AIDS Walk Africa community build project. More.