It was not something Megan Chapman, a UF telecommunications senior, ever thought she would attend. But after a co-worker died from AIDS, she found herself standing with others Wednesday night to commemorate those who have died from the disease. Chapman joined about 100 students and community members as they marched with lighted candles, listened to speakers and remembered loved ones at the Darkening of Century Tower, a candlelight vigil and march commemorating AIDS victims. He declined to give his last name.
Life has a lot to give and it's worth fighting for.
Organizers of the vigil said they wanted to convey a message of awareness. Some students who participated in the event said although the vigil makes people more aware about HIV and AIDS, there still is a stigma associated with the disease, and people are not ready to be completely open and public about it. For other students, acceptance has already come. It conquered my fear and gave me hope for humanity. All rights reserved.