Taylor Jones, age 16, lost his father to AIDS 10 years ago. In 1998, Taylor decided to walk in the Kansas City AIDS Walk for the first time. Taylor, who was only nine at the time, set out to raise $900 to help those with HIV and AIDS. Taylor achieved his goal, and the day of the walk he proudly handed over the $900 he had collected.

During the next year, Taylor anxiously waited for his chance to walk in the Kansas City AIDS Walk for the second time. Since he was a year older, Taylor decided he needed to raise his goal and made plans to collect at least $1,000. Taylor asked his friends and family for money to help him meet his goal. In addition, Taylor was quick to introduce himself to strangers, tell them about his Dad's death, and ask for a donation. Taylor's persistence paid off. He met his $1,000 goal early, and then went on to raise an additional $1,500. On the morning of April 17, 1999, Taylor proudly marched up to the AIDS Walk registration table and handed me an envelope containing $2,500 he had collected to help those living with AIDS.

I am very proud to have my friend, Taylor, as the co-captain of the Don's Teens Trample AIDS Walk team.

Don Carrel