Iowa Girl on the Go

For 28 years, the AIDS Walk Kansas City has raised funds, inspired hope, and raised awareness of HIV/AIDS.

This year my family and I were a part of Team Erick, walking in memory of my dear brother-in-law, Erick Butler, who died last December of AIDS-related cancer at the age of 57. Erick had been very involved in helping organize the KC AIDS Walk for many years.

Despite a rainy, stormy forecast, more than 2,000 walkers participated in the 3-mile walk that started and ended at Theis Park across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, just east of the Country Club Plaza.

Team Erick, led by my niece Madison and my sister Donna, raised $820 for research, education, and support for people in Kansas City living with AIDS. Fundraising is still ongoing, but the last time I checked the event had raised more than $130,000 in total.

Pictured above at the Country Club Plaza’s J.C. Nichols Fountain are my husband Dave, daughter Lauren, me, and daughter Katie.