In downtown Vacaville on Thursday, a tiny group of friends and family of AIDS sufferers and victims reached through the icy night air for friendship, healing, hope and solidarity. It was the first candlelight vigil for World AIDS Day held in Vacaville, say organizers, and though the crowds didn't burst the street seams, they say the vigil was just a building block for more understanding - and a cure. Fuentes, of Faith in Action in Fairfield, joined 25 others near the community Christmas tree. Gay and straight people formed a circle under the tree, gripped candles and listened to organizers recount the obstacles and triumphs borne by AIDS and HIV, the virus that causes the disease. It's still a struggle.
People often blame the victim.
They say a lifestyle caused them to get AIDS, but those people are wrong. World AIDS Day was actually Tuesday, but vigil organizer Orrin Olsen said there have been so many events during the week that the vigil had to be a few days later. Indeed, at Solano Community College and at the California Medical Facility, pieces of the AIDS Quilt were displayed Tuesday. Free HIV testings were held throughout the week. Meetings and prayer services were held.