Local & Community
Desert Aids Walk Marks 40 Years of Fighting HIV/AIDS
HIV and AIDS is the cause of nearly one million deaths each year. For a disease that claims the lives of so many loved ones, the community came together on Saturday, not just to remember the loss, but to celebrate how far we’ve come in the fight and the strides we will continue to make in the future.
“We’re walking to raise money for the 2021 AIDS walk… and to help our 10,000 patients that we see at DAP Health.”” said Revival Store Coordinator Chris Fischer and Clinical Documentation Specialist Kimmie Miller.
Thousands on foot, and paws, to walk for HIV and AIDS at the Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. For more than three decades, the walk has brought the community together to raise funds to support the work of DAP Health, the desert’s leading nonprofit resource for those living with, affected by, or at-risk for HIV or AIDS, and the 20-21 walk is especially important.
“This year marks the 40th year since HIV was first recognized in the United States,” said David Brinkman, CEO of DAP Health. “40 years of fighting HIV Aids.”
“There still is no cure for AIDS,” said Fischer. “We are here to raise awareness and have a really good time as well.”
More than 2,000 residents, young and old, walked, sung, stretched, and danced to support the cause and remember people lost to HIV and AIDS.
“This cause is very dear to my heart., said Marie de Rosa, a Rancho Mirage resident. “My son who is 48, had a sponsor who died very young at the age now my son is. I love that (the walk) represents we’re all one and that nothing, not something like this can stop us. We’re gonna overcome this and we’ve made so many strides.”
On their shirts, they wear a significant symbol recognizing how far we’ve come in the fight.
“U equals U. undetectable equals untransmittable” said Brinkman. “When people have access to HIV medication, they become untransmittable. It is the beginning of the end of HIV.”
“If you have multiple tests that are undetected of HIV, that you cannot transmit HIV to another human being which is fabulous because there are so many people and the treatments have advanced over the years that people are not afraid to be intimate with their partners if they know they’re not transferring the disease to them,” said Linda Evans, Chief Strategy Officer for Desert Care Network .
This year, the Desert AIDS walk raised more than$380,000, setting a record for the event, but organizers say the fight isn’t over until people can live long and healthy lives without HIV and AIDS.
“Raise awareness, raise money, raise hope,” said Fischer.
“We haven’t won yet. It’s not over,” said Miller.
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 31, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Hawk, who has died at 94. Hawk began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Hawk was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Hawk. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHawk #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!