tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44757581028998136042024-03-05T00:38:52.973-05:00Dance Marathon 20113pm Saturday, April 2, 2011 to 9am Sunday, April 3, 2011
http://people.bu.edu/budmUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-50752468720065754802011-03-30T23:44:00.005-04:002011-03-30T23:59:40.605-04:00DM is.... two days away???Hey DMers! Tonight we held our kick off dinner at BU Central, where our Dancer Relations chair Jen taught us the <b>line dance</b> we'll be doing every hour. She also gave us some great tips on what to pack for the night of DM- don't forget extra socks and a tooth brush (brushing your teeth helps wake you up)!<br /><br />After doing what we (well, at least I) do best chowing down on Cane's and Sal's pizza, the DM chairs got everything ready for the weekend. We stuffed bags with all kinds of goodies for the dancers- but I'll leave that as a surprise for you on Saturday!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxrvuxfozxYXyt0ITwSknRDmsg7vOLQ3uXiwk6hnlhjs5Rba40t-WSqbJ4Wd4q32a-q_HMpBQc8l24eGdgeAkpS56Lmit0y0gqX_rE2SuBLgrpQZ6xiWPjyw6THtDuaKOMXH90QI2XOA/s1600/IMG_8851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxrvuxfozxYXyt0ITwSknRDmsg7vOLQ3uXiwk6hnlhjs5Rba40t-WSqbJ4Wd4q32a-q_HMpBQc8l24eGdgeAkpS56Lmit0y0gqX_rE2SuBLgrpQZ6xiWPjyw6THtDuaKOMXH90QI2XOA/s320/IMG_8851.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590087891116196194" /></a><br /><br />We hope everyone is PUMPED for our event this weekend! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at budm@bu.edu. Don't forget to get as much last-minute fundraising in as possible- we've been going up thousands every day! Remember, <span style="font-weight:bold;">$15 provides one woman with the services she needs to prevent passing HIV to her unborn child.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-7357209570272942302011-03-23T13:54:00.005-04:002011-03-23T14:20:27.644-04:00HIV in Mexico: ADPi event<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z2A25bW33bz5p-2Diz6pC7wBH0rneRNMe2W3E4uPygL7ykyHam4w3F5mo7RH4LsQUYhKfppV25XQHoMnAfhd5O7DJ-L2ni7ZDp8g-dRxigRJyiewTZJLgpKLDCsq05xoE0wexv0zHn0/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z2A25bW33bz5p-2Diz6pC7wBH0rneRNMe2W3E4uPygL7ykyHam4w3F5mo7RH4LsQUYhKfppV25XQHoMnAfhd5O7DJ-L2ni7ZDp8g-dRxigRJyiewTZJLgpKLDCsq05xoE0wexv0zHn0/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587335762049422722" /></a><br /><br />Last night, Alpha Delta Pi held an HIV education workshop with Alfredo Hernandez, one of my new favorite people. Alfredo told us his inspiring story about growing up gay in Mexico, exploring his sexuality in college and then falling in love with a student from Boston studying Spanish in Mexico. The catch? That student was a woman. <br /><br />When Alfredo went back to Boston with his wife, immigration services tested him for HIV, and he found out he had the virus. Alfredo swears he knows he contracted the virus in college, as he engaged in risky behavior with no knowledge of condoms or STDs. <br /><br />His wife was negative since they used condoms as their method of birth control, and his wife's family surprised him by showing solidarity and support. Alfredo soon began understanding his sexual orientation, and now, he lives with his partner, who is negative, and travels the country educating people about safe sex.<br /><br />Alfredo said that awareness about HIV and practicing safe sex has only improved slightly since he was in college in the 1980s, and mostly in a few major cities. He also observed that lots of students he talks to across the country seem to get their knowledge about HIV and AIDS from each other, proliferating myths.<br /><br />Instead of asking your friends, the best way to educate yourself about HIV and other STDs is by asking your doctor. You can also visit websites Alfredo recommends below:<br /><br /><a href="http://AVAC.org">AVAC.org</a><br /><a href="http://poz.com">poz.com</a><br /><a href="http://cdc.gov">CDC.gov</a><br /><a href="http://www.thebody.com">thebody.com</a><br /><br />Alfredo answered any questions we had with humor, compassion and genuine concern for our own sexual health. He now works at the Education Development Center in Newton. Thanks to ADPi for a great, educational event!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-73357540432482553512011-03-08T18:29:00.014-05:002011-03-09T19:27:39.337-05:00#lovesafelySo there's been this hashtag on Twitter lately that started around Valentine's Day, to #lovesafely. UNAIDS started the trend as part of their Prevention Revolution campaign. But what does this actually mean? Using a condom? Making sure your partner has been tested? We're hosting some more <span style="font-weight:bold;">free HIV testing in the GSU this Thursday (third floor, 10 am to 2 pm).</span> But <span style="font-weight:bold;">why is this important?</span><br /><br />Some people think HIV and AIDS aren't a problem in the United States anymore, especially at a<span style="font-style:italic;"> "rich kid" private university </span>like BU. But for those of you with the attitude that people on this campus shouldn't need to get tested, you are the reason why the stigma of HIV still exists.<br /><br />Mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the United States has been virtually eliminated. Many communities most affected by HIV in the US are yes, of low socioeconomic status. But we as leaders in Boston, in the United States and around the world should fight the stigma against those that have HIV. We should get tested proudly, because<span style="font-weight:bold;"> it's the smart, safe thing to do,</span> rather than treating HIV testing as taboo. By getting tested regularly, we can <i>make sure</i> that we keep these infection rates low.<br /><br />Some of you may say- well, using condoms is common sense. We all learned that in sex ed in high school. But did you know the porn industry in the U.S. prefers not to use condoms, because filmmakers believe fewer people will watch? This approach has caused actors to <a href=http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AIDS/hiv-actors-positive-test-unsettles-hub-us-porn/story?id=11892877>contract HIV</a>. Condoms aren't sexy, according to porn stars.<br /><br />Students at the University of South Carolina recently fought against this idea. USC hosted an event last week called Project Condom, where students and groups across campus designed dresses made entirely out of condoms. Models strutted their stuff covered in rubbers down the runway, and with heads held high, they made the most fashionable statement of all- #lovesafely.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKHh1rMyfizdmkvpnCSuiW_4gaCjxcRk3OSS2ymvORPZslvydHB3MkNyki3xg3dATj7cF2ZrspCsk4zd9NwRFe4W3j8PLISdsO40qKwa2aKRTb3dVM6qrorM6bUtDLpGXa79Nl42WdO4/s1600/12ac80b6fdda073e46f27e2999f2dbe7_L.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKHh1rMyfizdmkvpnCSuiW_4gaCjxcRk3OSS2ymvORPZslvydHB3MkNyki3xg3dATj7cF2ZrspCsk4zd9NwRFe4W3j8PLISdsO40qKwa2aKRTb3dVM6qrorM6bUtDLpGXa79Nl42WdO4/s320/12ac80b6fdda073e46f27e2999f2dbe7_L.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581858906250025026" /></a><br />Credit: Keri Goff, The Daily Gamecock<br /><br />Pictured above is a model in the Project Condom show at USC. Read the full story <a href="http://www.dailygamecock.com/news/item/816-project-condom-dresses-for-sexual-success">here</a>.<br /><br />We at BU are lucky to have <span style="font-weight:bold;">access</span> to HIV testing and treatment, and we should <span style="font-weight:bold;">take full advantage of it.</span> You don't have to come to our event to be tested- there are tons of resources on campus and in Boston. Just check out this <a href="http://www.bu.edu/csc/opportunities/community-service-center-programs/project-hope/hiv-testing-locations/">list</a> by the Community Service Center. Above all, have fun this Spring Break and #lovesafely!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-45215767013790747292011-03-02T15:16:00.006-05:002011-03-02T15:35:58.150-05:00Cutting USAID and Country of the week: MalawiAccording to a <a href="http://www.nyasatimes.com/health/malawi-struggling-to-address-paediatric-hiv.html" target="_blank">recent news article</a> in the Nyasa Times, Malawi is having a difficult time addressing a huge pediatric HIV epidemic. The article reported there are 91,000 children under 15 living with the disease in Malawi, but there are virtually no anti-retroviral (ARV) medications designed for children in the country.<br /><br />These 91,000 HIV-positive children in Malawi are among 2.1 million children worldwide who are living with the disease.<br /><br /><font size=4><br />There is currently legislation making its way through the Senate that would cut U.S. aid to organizations that work to prevent mother-to-child transmission.<br /><br />If the Senate approves that legislation, an additional estimated <span style="font-weight:bold;">20,000</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">newborns </span> would also contract the disease, according to the Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.<br /><br />You can make a difference by signing a petition against this legislation <a href="http://one.org/us/actnow/2011budget/index.html?rc=senatebudget2011">here</a>.<br /><br /></font><br /><br />Children who are currently affected by HIV in Malawi have to break an adult ARV pill in half, which is the correct dosage but difficult for children to swallow. Only less than two-thirds of the 91,000 children affected are getting any medicine at all, and those that do find it tough to stick to strict treatment regimens. <br /><br />The pediatric ARV medicine is very expensive, and some non-profits working in the area said the government has not tried to cooperate with them to secure the necessary medication. They argue the government could help establish a factory to produce the ARV medicine.<br /><br />The national budget, however, has reduced the portion of the budget devoted to health from 15 to 13 percent since 2006, the article said.<br /><br />Situations such as these show the importance of <span style="font-weight:bold;">increasing</span> foreign aid to nations with the epidemic. NGOs on the ground are in need of more support than ever, and the bill approved in the House of Representatives threatens the worldwide goal of producing a <span style="font-weight:bold;">generation free of HIV.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-52057982434885307052011-02-16T14:36:00.005-05:002011-02-16T14:40:49.756-05:00Country of the week: IndiaHey DMers! Thanks to everyone who came out for our two 50 Days events at BU Central and Pour House. Dance Marathon is coming up so quickly, and we are really excited for the number of dancers we have signed up so far!<br /><br />To continue our exploration of AIDS around the world, we'll talk a little about the epidemic in Asia. India and China are the future of the AIDS problem. The Indian government has neither acknowledged nor provided resources for the growing number of infections, and hospitals often provide counseling but no medicine.<br /><br />In India, infection of only 5 percent of the population translates to 50 million people. HIV positive women in India are deemed worthless and are kicked out of their homes. The infection, though often transmitted by a man, is always blamed on women. Social and cultural barriers to prevention in the country include the importance of having children to verify a marriage. Often, women in India will knowingly contract HIV to get pregnant rather than leaving their marriage. <br /><br />One of our charities, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, has provided more than 800,000 women in India with critical prevention of mother-to-child transmission services. The Foundation continues to provide critical prevention services, along with counseling for HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in India.<br /><br />Source: <i>A Closer Walk</i>, 2002.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-28199856455663909092011-02-03T11:02:00.002-05:002011-02-03T11:10:41.352-05:00Countdown to DM: UkraineHey, DMers! Since we are getting SO CLOSE to Dance Marathon (our 50 Days event is next week!), I thought I'd start featuring a new country every week to show what the AIDS epidemic looks like around the world (our DM theme this year!). <br /><br />When many people think of AIDS, they think of Africa. But today, the epidemic is spreading fastest in <b>post-Soviet countries in Eastern Europe</b>. For example, Ukraine is currently experiencing an epidemic among intravenous drug users in the 20 to 39 age range.<br /><br />In Ukraine, a bad economy has created a young generation of people without hope for the future. They turn to drugs, especially liquid heroin, for distraction. The liquid heroin is cheap, and users share needles to feel part of a "brotherhood." The Ukrainians are unprepared for such an epidemic. The government is poor and has no experience with something like HIV and AIDS. <br /><br /><i>The infection rate of intravenous drug users in Russia and China was 70 percent in 2002.</i><br /><br />However, programs have sprouted up encouraging the use of <b>clean needles and condoms.</b> These programs also offer counseling, which is crucial in a culture where no one talks about AIDS.<br /><br />Source: A Closer Walk, 2002.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-71418247136991692882011-01-07T21:23:00.002-05:002011-01-07T21:25:12.053-05:00More from our World AIDS Day speakers!Laura, our Public Relations Chair, just put together another video recapping our World AIDS Day speakers from Camp Heartland! This video features Sasha, who met her husband Mark on Camp Heartland's Journey of Hope program. <br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7JZcXYG7M4I?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7JZcXYG7M4I?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks so much for sharing your story with us!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-10119483281542251652010-12-30T10:14:00.003-05:002010-12-30T10:19:09.417-05:00Resolution: Get testedHey DMers! Hope everyone is having a fabulous winter break. Just a little update after World AIDS Day- because of limited resources and lots of interest, we had to turn away quite a few students from the free <strong>Rapid HIV Testing</strong> on the second day. However, the Community Service Center has put together <a href="http://www.bu.edu/csc/opportunities/community-service-center-programs/project-hope/hiv-testing-locations/" target="_blank">this great list</a> of free places to get tested around Boston!<br /><br /><strong>Make it your New Year's Resolution to get tested!</strong> If you'd rather do it in the privacy of your own hometown, ask your physician to give you a test over break. And remember, you can always make an appointment at <a href="http://www.bu.edu/shs/">Student Health Services</a>.<br /><br />We at Dance Marathon are looking into hosting more Rapid Testing in the days leading up to DM in the Spring- Tweet at us/direct message us with any other suggestions! @BUDanceMarathon Have a safe, happy New Year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-39875557966315841942010-12-07T10:12:00.005-05:002010-12-07T10:25:57.834-05:00World AIDS Day 2As part of World AIDS Day last week, Dance Marathon hosted two speakers from one of our charities, Sasha and Jeffro from Camp Heartland. Mark, a former Camp Heartland camper, was unable to make it to Boston University that day, but his wife, Sasha, came to share their story. <br /><br />Sasha and Jeffro were both counselors at Camp Heartland, a camp for children with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Camp Heartland provides kids with a place to go to feel comfortable and have fun in a safe environment. The camp is a place where kids don't have to worry about being judged- from what Sasha and Jeffro have told us, many campers don't share their condition with their friends at home, and the stigma against HIV is still alive and strong in the United States. <br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HgJMDGuLoDg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HgJMDGuLoDg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Sasha told us that her husband Mark was born with hemophilia, and he contracted HIV through a blood transfusion. He couldn't tell his community he was HIV positive as he was growing up, but after attending Camp Heartland and then becoming a counseler, be began to speak out against the stigma. Sasha met Mark on Camp Heartland's Journey of Hope AIDS Awareness Program, which is a bus tour around the country where campers visit schools, churches, universities and other community groups to share their stories. The Journey of Hope program aims to convey these messages:<br /><br />1. AIDS is preventable<br />2. AIDS is not transmitted causally<br />3. All people with AIDS deserve compassion<br />4. Get tested<br /><br />For more information about Journey of Hope, click <a href="http://oneheartland.org/programs-a-services/education-a-outreach/journey-of-hope.html">here</a>. <br /><br />Jeffro shared with us a song of hope written by one camper he has worked with, and Sasha shared with us the ways her and Mark are trying to have a baby. Sasha told us about the ways she and Mark can help prevent their future child from contracting HIV, which include sperm washing (semen carries HIV, but sprem does not).<br /><br />We learned so much from Sasha, Jeffro and Katie, a nurse from Boston who has worked at Camp Heartland and also came to speak with us. Thank you so much to them, and we hope everyone who attended learned as much as we did!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-83037192106140482182010-12-01T22:47:00.007-05:002010-12-01T22:59:00.678-05:00World AIDS Day success!World AIDS Day today was a fabulous success- we gave out <span style="font-weight:bold;">ribbons and condoms</span> in the GSU Link all day, sold goodies for our <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bake Sale</span>, and so many people showed up to <span style="font-weight:bold;">get tested</span> we had to tell them to come back tomorrow!<br /><br />Here's DM's Michelle Markle with the official World AIDS Day shirts at BU:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjrny5y88aQSlok7-EJziuzXajovL9lkcywt572NwNljoAZSwRwiE-NzE2EI84rXOdk605Pqyl8R6hVyLbbDQbzqrRO85bJTOtnfdW0GZ2cYIjIwwf0pW59s-fX_m4FqO1m-VtX5n9-w/s1600/155239_969152004460_904763_52171886_2957256_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjrny5y88aQSlok7-EJziuzXajovL9lkcywt572NwNljoAZSwRwiE-NzE2EI84rXOdk605Pqyl8R6hVyLbbDQbzqrRO85bJTOtnfdW0GZ2cYIjIwwf0pW59s-fX_m4FqO1m-VtX5n9-w/s320/155239_969152004460_904763_52171886_2957256_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545926878136651938" /></a><br /><br />The Community Service Center's <span style="font-weight:bold;">Project Hope</span> did a great job organizing an informational and collaborative event! And there's still more to come tomorrow.<br /><br />But first, here are some things we talked about at the panel: The Face of AIDS in Boston.<br /><br />--Different levels of <span style="font-weight:bold;">progress</span> in fighting AIDS among different populations in Boston<br />...Boston is a great city to be in if you are HIV positive, many resources<br />...prevention and outreach methods should be different in different communities<br />...members of a community reaching out to their own neighbors and friends is successfull<br /><br />--The AIDS <span style="font-weight:bold;">vaccine</span><br />...is still a long way off<br />...we're taking small steps in the right direction<br /><br />--<span style="font-weight:bold;">Side effects </span>of antiretroviral drugs can vary, but are horrible (vivid dreams, rashes, swelling of body fat, etc.)<br /><br />--Making the HIV test more <span style="font-weight:bold;">routine</span><br />...experts disagree<br />...making it more routine could remove the stigma?<br />...but counseling that accompanies the HIV test is CRUCIAL, and not something emergency rooms can perform<br /><br />--The <span style="font-weight:bold;">stigma</span> against HIV positive population is still a HUGE problem<br />...learn more <span style="font-weight:bold;">tomorrow</span> with former Camp Heartland campers<br />...<span style="font-weight:bold;">GSU Conference Auditorium, 7 pm</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-15017840391515643612010-12-01T12:27:00.002-05:002010-12-01T12:31:48.428-05:00Dance Marathon at World AIDS Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-uziSx7aWtWuWBDRU7xXNIlx3Ke7YsFJe6J0doeavUeCRvN4rGuruS8_IcXMoGxGud1I2YRFtoJGIncgTMIuU7bp5vzRiGxC3-V2t6KuJ51bu-XsAsJU2BzUHgQG122LWozM37KQ5s8/s1600/155239_969152004460_904763_52171886_2957256_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-uziSx7aWtWuWBDRU7xXNIlx3Ke7YsFJe6J0doeavUeCRvN4rGuruS8_IcXMoGxGud1I2YRFtoJGIncgTMIuU7bp5vzRiGxC3-V2t6KuJ51bu-XsAsJU2BzUHgQG122LWozM37KQ5s8/s320/155239_969152004460_904763_52171886_2957256_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767468906222002" /></a><br /><br />Dance Marathon is at the GSU for World AIDS Day today! Come check out our bake sale and pick up an AIDS awareness ribbon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-24823255786545172762010-11-29T10:19:00.002-05:002010-11-29T10:28:38.821-05:00World AIDS Day factsWorld AIDS Day is this <strong>WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1</strong>, and Boston University has lots planned throughout the week. Starting Wednesday, we'll have a bunch of GSU link tables with <strong>red ribbons and free condoms</strong>! To raise awareness, the condoms will have facts printed on them:<br /><br />-every 12 seconds, someone contracts HIV<br />-every 16 seconds, someone dies of HIV<br />-having an STD makes someone 5x more likely to contract HIV<br />-condoms can reduce the risk of HIV by 70-100%<br />-1 in 250 Americans have HIV<br />-HIV can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex<br />-2/3 of college students do not consistently use condoms <br /><br />Also, everyone should <strong>GET TESTED </strong>on <em>the third floor of the GSU on Wednesday and Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm.</em> The testing is completely free and confidential. If you feel nervous about getting tested, check out the <a href="http://budancemarathon.blogspot.com/2010/11/getting-tested-for-world-aids-day.html">video </a>we have of DMers getting tested themselves!<br /><br />Finally, there are a few great events going on for those interested in learning about what living with HIV/AIDS is like in the US, how the epidemic is being fought worldwide and what you can do.<br /><br /><strong>WEDNESDAY</strong><br /><br /><em>Documentary:</em> The Lazarus Effect, a film depicting the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs in Zambia. Sister Sheila, who works with HIV positive women in South Africa, will lead a discussion about HIV in developing countries following the film.<br />3:00-4:00 p.m. <br />Howard Thurman Center<br /><br /><em>Panel Discussion:</em> The Face of AIDS In Boston. Panelists will discuss the social implications of living with the disease in one of the largest cities in the United States.<br />7:00-8:30 p.m. <br />Conference Auditorium<br /><br /><em>Candlelit Vigil:</em> Remember those who have been lost throughout the years.<br />5:00 p.m.<br />Marsh Plaza<br /><br /><strong>THURSDAY</strong><br /><br /><em>Spotlight Speaker: </em>Mark, owner of a video production company and former camper at <strong>Camp Heartland</strong>, a summer camp for HIV positive youth, will be speaking about the struggles of living with HIV.<br />7:00-8:30 p.m.<br />Conference Auditorium<br /><br /><strong>More Information about Mark:</strong><br />As someone living with hemophilia, Hepatitis C, and HIV, the hardest thing for Mark was not being able to talk to anyone, afraid of what people would think and losing friends. He gained the courage to speak about his experiences as a camper then a counselor at Camp Heartland, one of Dance Marathon's charities for kids with or affected by HIV/AIDS.<br /><br />He has since started his own video production company, Markie Z Productions. He also works full time for AHF, a homecare pharmacy for hemophiliacs and people who are immune-compromised.See MoreUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-66329522253046319292010-11-28T10:50:00.004-05:002010-11-28T10:58:19.147-05:00World AIDS Day 2010 is right around the corner...Hey DMers!<br /><br />We wanted to give a quick shout out to one of our BU rockstars Amey Owen! We recently got a chance to read through her blog, which discusses real world issues and ways to volunteer in the city of Boston! This week her article was about World AIDS Day 2010 and we definitely encourage everyone to check it out and see what she has to say: <a href="http://mag-nitude.blogspot.com/2010/11/world-aids-day.html">Magnitude </a><br /><br />To find out what events are going on around campus this week check out the facebook event: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=166594196701468&index=1">World AIDS Day Events at BU - wear red!</a> <br /><br />And last but not least don't forget to WEAR RED on December 1st! <br /><br />DM Love,<br /><br />Steph, Maggie, & Eric<br /><br /><br />PS- For all you social media lovers on twitter use the hashtag #WorldAidsDay and #wearred to promote AIDS awareness!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-23222569307724794482010-11-23T16:56:00.003-05:002010-11-23T17:15:41.859-05:00Mother to child transmission eliminated in 4 years?!The media reported today several important developments in the fight against global HIV/AIDS.<br /><br />First, Pope Benedict XVI announced that using condoms to prevent HIV transmission was a lesser evil than preventing a possible pregnancy, a significant change from his previous statements that AIDS could not be cured with condom use. <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/11/23/vatican_popes_condom_comments_apply_to_women_too/?p1=News_links">The Associated Press</a> reports that this may encourage more people worldwide to use condoms.<br /><br />Second, <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/health/blog/2010/11/_antiviral_drug.html?p1=News_links">The Boston Globe</a> reported a new study shows men may prevent contracting HIV from taking a daily oral antiretroviral pill.<br /><br />Also in the <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/11/23/vatican_popes_condom_comments_apply_to_women_too/?p1=News_links">AP article</a>:<br /><br />"UNAIDS on Tuesday announced a nearly 20 percent drop in new HIV infections around the world over the past decade -- largely due to increased condom use."<br /><br /><em>"The report also noted the success of efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus, and said <strong>it could be virtually eliminated by 2015</strong>."</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-90437668495427981822010-11-07T17:50:00.001-05:002010-11-07T17:50:33.162-05:00Getting tested for World AIDS Day<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s6Q0_uAColE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s6Q0_uAColE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-31424292225411854262010-11-06T15:35:00.002-04:002010-11-06T15:37:34.110-04:00Why is awareness important?<div>The New York Times published a page one story yesterday about the stigma and health challenges kids growing up with HIV today are still facing. The article emphasizes just how important awareness is- a theme that will be addressed in our speaker event on Dec. 2, with two individuals living with HIV.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's an excerpt that shows what's happening right near Boston:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Medication is not the problem for Elizabeth. Eighteen, white, <b>from a wealthy Massachusetts suburb</b>, she has been ostracized and tormented, “ ‘H.I.V. slut’ being yelled across the hallway, anything you can think of,” she said.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Elizabeth did not know she had H.I.V. until the age of 14, when her parents and physician appeared at her therapist’s appointment and told her.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>“I couldn’t speak or really breathe,” said Elizabeth, whose mother was infected through a blood transfusion before she was born.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Read the article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/06/us/06hiv.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=HIV&st=cse">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dance Marathon will be hosting Mark and Terrance, two individuals living with HIV, as they speak about their experiences for World AIDS Day on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the GSU Conference Auditorium.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-77174892172149303602010-11-03T22:46:00.005-04:002010-11-03T22:54:59.737-04:00150 Days Till Departure Celebration!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our first big event of the year, <b>150 Days Till Departure Celebration</b>, was so successful! DM camped out in BU Central this afternoon, chowing down on Upper Crust and T Anthony's and basically spreading the love around... the usual. Check out some photos from the event:<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYw_9-7-33SJhDOXbYL3DdlSkKqcykqi4UHrIgCFxphBoO8LnTeViDPmVLdIbdf0qo0YmsXmrUD1Kg6WDdMciG92PIfqyOnGyv_sLH_pirMBmQXeMkf4kt92BfJM7z8Roe7YyevbGG14/s320/73017_1520864861801_1239930537_31456909_3510516_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535521363476516706" /></div><div><b>Emily Shapiro</b>, our Morale chair, getting ready to register teams, dancers and moralers! </div><div><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOkKkeotCcn3UtMhN6RSfJHQ1A-p-7xSYIZJu8B2ysIBnhBER50JNv84tFe9loBDgJBH2mU3xCXfbEC8LimsFrzQ3LRCwi61U4D8tuQcihg0HGdXmuMakmzk1lI4_Xkf9ozYxLeyCsdg/s320/149544_1520864661796_1239930537_31456908_1798419_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535521582261591634" /><br /></div><div>Hey, <b>Community Service Center</b>, thanks for stopping by!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0Kqasj0Z1vjMaYyeA0bQFcZp4sg9ZL2Jy3KyJXhvMaK96zHASYAvkehigpHPGvXJ0SY89eICFXmPDRq289rhLK29jCfXkrbKrnN-gBegmRceAK2vvpbWJ3e7-3jjv86YQc1fFUeSTQA/s1600/IMG_7925.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0Kqasj0Z1vjMaYyeA0bQFcZp4sg9ZL2Jy3KyJXhvMaK96zHASYAvkehigpHPGvXJ0SY89eICFXmPDRq289rhLK29jCfXkrbKrnN-gBegmRceAK2vvpbWJ3e7-3jjv86YQc1fFUeSTQA/s1600/IMG_7925.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0Kqasj0Z1vjMaYyeA0bQFcZp4sg9ZL2Jy3KyJXhvMaK96zHASYAvkehigpHPGvXJ0SY89eICFXmPDRq289rhLK29jCfXkrbKrnN-gBegmRceAK2vvpbWJ3e7-3jjv86YQc1fFUeSTQA/s320/IMG_7925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535522041808089298" /></a><br /></div><div>Look at all the cards we made for <b>Camp Heartland</b> campers! We love you!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtePbAS2sYeAH-VACzlg-ySS7Kwsas36q-zsesncDOik4QiMW8ww5Oc9BqVPqbhcL62_QHv0dhqxuVXYke8KxhBwMhcHKtPTA7TOeHA02oDzOaPLTSuH4H0ks5r8DwbaQ7vrbmqVep0RM/s1600/IMG_7922.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtePbAS2sYeAH-VACzlg-ySS7Kwsas36q-zsesncDOik4QiMW8ww5Oc9BqVPqbhcL62_QHv0dhqxuVXYke8KxhBwMhcHKtPTA7TOeHA02oDzOaPLTSuH4H0ks5r8DwbaQ7vrbmqVep0RM/s320/IMG_7922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535522309710441170" /></a><br /><br />Great performance of "Rent" by <b>BU on Broadway</b>! Check them out at our main event, DANCE MARATHON, on April 2-3!<br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-61789325150539862622010-10-18T09:48:00.004-04:002010-10-18T10:20:40.375-04:00Parents Weekend Cheat SheetThis Friday, Dance Marathon will be in the GSU Ziskind Lounge for Parents Weekend check-in! We have a ton of exciting activities going on that you certainly won't want to miss such as a fun informational video with a response board, a map showing the status of HIV/AIDS worldwide, and a trivia game. If you make it to check-in with your parents, read up on some of the basic DM info below. Then, maybe you can win a prize for Mom and Dad!<br /><ul><li>Dance Marathon raises money for <strong>pediatric HIV/AIDS</strong> research and education.</li><li>We dance for <strong>18 hours.</strong></li><li>The HIV/AIDS ribbon is <strong>red.</strong></li><li>Elizabeth Glaser founded the Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) after contracting HIV in 1981 from a blood transfusion and unknowingly passing the disease along to her son and daughter.</li><li>EGPAF has more treatment and prevention sites in <strong>Africa </strong>than on any other continent. </li><li>Basketball star <strong>Magic Johnson</strong> credits Elizabeth Glaser for encourging him to speak out about HIV.</li><li>Children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS don't pay anything to attend Camp Heartland. It costs the camp, however, <strong>$3,000</strong> in fundraiser per camper.</li><li>The United Nations has designated "fight global HIV/AIDS" as one of its Millenium Development Goals. <strong>There will be a special discussion about the Millenium Development Goals for Parents Weekend from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday at the GSU.</strong></li></ul>Parents Weekend check-in will take place at the GSU at 775 Commonwealth Ave in the Ziskind Lounge on the 2nd floor this Friday from 11am to 7 p.m. Have fun with your parents this weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-23532542179578821832010-10-16T13:23:00.009-04:002010-10-16T21:24:05.535-04:00Dance Marathon does Drag!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan6CsSDQNX1cB7t65YQO89yHLBcszG9hbTZN76il3yJFm9mV8WKOYvGbtuX_Mr33NLDDa0ON8WQh83kifdR2dq3XZlwVNKZQV7tBKONfPdSLpsBM0JeFITpqy_9IVO3RdFtPOUkO1ogw/s1600/65943_943086055830_904763_51549356_717424_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan6CsSDQNX1cB7t65YQO89yHLBcszG9hbTZN76il3yJFm9mV8WKOYvGbtuX_Mr33NLDDa0ON8WQh83kifdR2dq3XZlwVNKZQV7tBKONfPdSLpsBM0JeFITpqy_9IVO3RdFtPOUkO1ogw/s320/65943_943086055830_904763_51549356_717424_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528698546579921234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last night, Dance Marathon attended Spectrum's annual Drag Ball. This year's theme was Monster Drag Ball: Show Us Your Teeth. Appropriately, we donned zombie-like DM shirts, covered ourselves in fake blood and partied with the lovely ladies and gents in attendance. Here are some highlights:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyupvybAe_uuv9D_k_j3wmXtSJzCY_APj2xgMOJFS7sEb2hOlaYJZf8dZ4gyNQh1U_p4BNlHndtTlXreeKxnclyzZqqDvCAMGi0H8T6AmX5skT0MoILL-i_q10hQL-pIF91Dbn70Da3Hg/s1600/IMG_7583.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyupvybAe_uuv9D_k_j3wmXtSJzCY_APj2xgMOJFS7sEb2hOlaYJZf8dZ4gyNQh1U_p4BNlHndtTlXreeKxnclyzZqqDvCAMGi0H8T6AmX5skT0MoILL-i_q10hQL-pIF91Dbn70Da3Hg/s320/IMG_7583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528698790035577506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lovely DMers with Justin Touchette, Co-President of Spectrum and Drag Ball organizer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6DAoJYFRU6AyZMX2O-LfLF3UPN_aDBBohimAZWmrSsKxiH-NbpnqCRuzqqAgbcAIpdgM4GQ5-_Zk3JWZ3ylDgDl7x3lj6eqvAW69f_zIFHUYqWyTW2ioHGzg2rxjxI8UM6EVOIG_CsU/s1600/37934_943086944050_904763_51549378_7593713_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6DAoJYFRU6AyZMX2O-LfLF3UPN_aDBBohimAZWmrSsKxiH-NbpnqCRuzqqAgbcAIpdgM4GQ5-_Zk3JWZ3ylDgDl7x3lj6eqvAW69f_zIFHUYqWyTW2ioHGzg2rxjxI8UM6EVOIG_CsU/s320/37934_943086944050_904763_51549378_7593713_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528698944359828914" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dean Elmore drops by.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUrFRgt5j9WvxARPJj8TF79sn95V6vLx_Dr4uKhevm7oEM7xKmPMoJ-UY_pfAHR1HeaC_aka3Puqym-8IkGSmU9dIB_OH1WwKc7WGKqFlglGZVicugAWRV6hLuzh1KGwCexPHaMpiP0M/s1600/IMG_7589.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUrFRgt5j9WvxARPJj8TF79sn95V6vLx_Dr4uKhevm7oEM7xKmPMoJ-UY_pfAHR1HeaC_aka3Puqym-8IkGSmU9dIB_OH1WwKc7WGKqFlglGZVicugAWRV6hLuzh1KGwCexPHaMpiP0M/s320/IMG_7589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528699135775510210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our free condoms!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We had a great time, thanks Spectrum for inviting us, we hope to be a part of it again next year!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-63820157505387093762010-10-12T15:52:00.003-04:002010-10-12T16:18:56.876-04:00Drag Ball and Fact of the WeekDance Marathon is proud to be supporting BU Spectrum's Monster Drag Ball this Friday! The event for the LGBT community and friends will be hosted by Marc by Marc Jacobs and is Lady Gaga/zombie themed. We'll have a table with free condoms and info about Dance Marathon, so be sure to stop by and say hello!<br /><br />Details:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Friday, Oct. 15</span><br />10 p.m. to 2 a.m.<br />Metcalf Ballroom at the GSU, 775 Commonwealth Ave.<br /><br />Check out the Facebook event <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=144619762247479">here</a>!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Did you know?</span><br /><br />"...<em>notifications of <strong>new HIV diagnoses among homosexual men have increased</strong>, mostly since the late 1990s. The rate of increase varied, but exceeded 50 percent in many countries. Trends in direct measures of HIV incidence in homosexual men were rare, and increases in HIV testing may explain the increases in many nations. Even so, several clinic- and community-based cohort studies in Europe and <strong>North America</strong> reported increasing incidence</em>."<br /><br />-a 2008 study published on <a href="http://www.thebody.com/content/news/art47646.html">TheBody.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-82613746440208377792010-10-04T13:01:00.007-04:002010-10-05T12:16:07.896-04:00Fact of the week: American children<span style="font-size:180%;">Did you know?</span><br /><br /><i>Nearly 16,000 American children under 19 are living with AIDS. That's almost the whole undergraduate population of Boston University.</i><br /><br />Some people may think pediatric HIV/AIDS is eliminated in the United States. While breakthroughs in <strong>research</strong> have significantly reduced the number of mother-to-child transmissions of HIV in the U.S. in the past 20 years, and treatments have allowed HIV-positive children to live <strong>longer and healthier </strong>lives, there are still children across the country living with the disease.<br /><br />Our two causes, the <strong><a href="http://www.pedaids.org/">Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://oneheartland.org/">One Heartland</a></strong>, have had a huge impact on reducing the number of new infections and raising awareness throughout the country.<br /><br />One Heartland has camps in Willow River, Minnestoa, New York City, Malibu, California and Minneapolis to provide children and families affected by HIV and AIDS with healthy environments for <strong>personal growth </strong>and <strong>social development</strong>. Surveys have shown that campers who attended camp longer were significantly more likely to accept HIV/AIDS as part of their life.<br /><br />All the services One Heartland provides each camper for a week of camp and year-long support costs <strong>$3,000</strong>. The families that send their children to camp are required to pay <strong>nothing</strong>. Fundraisers like Dance Marathon make this happen.<br /><br />At Dance Marathon, we hold a special place in our hearts for the campers who have shared their stories with us every year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-80944633824414720982010-10-02T15:46:00.008-04:002010-10-02T15:55:45.503-04:00BIG THANKS!Hey DMers!<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who came out on Thursday, September 30th to support our dough fundraiser at Uno's Chicago Grill in Kenmore Square. We had a great turn out and it seemed like everyone had a fun time and enjoyed their delicious meals, and even more delicious desserts.. I don't know about you, but I could personally eat that cookie thing for the rest of my life! <br /><br />We hope you all had a good time and again thank you so much for all of your support! Also a big thanks to Uno's & all of the staff at Uno's in Kenmore for collaborating with us on the event! Check out some pictures from Thursday night below and if you have any pictures from Uno's on Facebook please tag Dance Marathon in them!<br /><br />DM Love,<br /><br />Steph, Maggie, Eric<br />2011 Overall Chairs<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22AKKy790RJown70lPcvyU7eL67N1eWbElZwPlrt3KGLRzsfQCaKLqziFOq4-DYvwBcKAzc0S2CMabAPIKDxuekc63-b_HfJC-msucvofYH2eX_hYR2B6EHjhD37t2fY5XGDMszljNAI/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22AKKy790RJown70lPcvyU7eL67N1eWbElZwPlrt3KGLRzsfQCaKLqziFOq4-DYvwBcKAzc0S2CMabAPIKDxuekc63-b_HfJC-msucvofYH2eX_hYR2B6EHjhD37t2fY5XGDMszljNAI/s200/IMG_3712.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523538957596577154" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bYBKrQxImBGBolONB-oBV2VXstAeK9ncApZ8Of0ZQNjutLMPRH9yIvqOiaXuijVU803OjN_7qYS8_sYmkJCgdWjUoM5Fd7cLXmW-XZc4F6660rKTfmWhBqVwuGDnaaQxLjXscXu7J5g/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bYBKrQxImBGBolONB-oBV2VXstAeK9ncApZ8Of0ZQNjutLMPRH9yIvqOiaXuijVU803OjN_7qYS8_sYmkJCgdWjUoM5Fd7cLXmW-XZc4F6660rKTfmWhBqVwuGDnaaQxLjXscXu7J5g/s200/IMG_3711.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523539121871221122" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg759CB9jWQ4xj4mSJW4Qq9XZBvo1A2KaSyyrLBGXxfJbnJLZy-shxoqizttibeeQhMWkSIcEXE8CDeSFajsdM9d11j98wyc8RlNgNx9f9ryD7CbzeuobgqDLWjwpsYR3p_kVTr0RECuKY/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg759CB9jWQ4xj4mSJW4Qq9XZBvo1A2KaSyyrLBGXxfJbnJLZy-shxoqizttibeeQhMWkSIcEXE8CDeSFajsdM9d11j98wyc8RlNgNx9f9ryD7CbzeuobgqDLWjwpsYR3p_kVTr0RECuKY/s200/IMG_3710.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523539275247104514" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-81099726931640126952010-09-27T13:28:00.002-04:002010-09-27T13:44:19.888-04:00Fact of the Week: $15 prevents transmission<font size="5">Did you know?</font><br /><br /><i>It costs just $15 to reach one woman with the services she needs to prevent HIV transmission to her child. </i><br /><br />Most (90 percent) of the children infected with HIV every day <b>receive the virus from their mothers</b>. Half of these children die before their second birthdays because they do not have access to the treatment they need. <br /><br />Two ways HIV/AIDS can be prevented include <b>mother to unborn baby</b> and through <b>breast milk</b>.<br /><br />Organizations like the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, one of the causes we raise money for, works to prevent mother-to-child transmission in several ways.<br /><br />1. EGPAF <b>tests</b> pregnant women for HIV and counsels them to make sure they have access to prevention, care and safe treatment. <br />2. They provide <b>antiretroviral medicines</b> to women who test HIV-positive and their babies to reduce the risk of transmission.<br />3. EGPAF also provides these services to <b>breastfeeding mothers</b>.<br /><br />For about the same price as a meal at the BU dining hall, you can <b>save one child</b> from receiving HIV from his or her mother. <br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.pedaids.org/What-We-re-Doing/Program-Implementation/Completed-Studies.aspx">here</a> to learn more about EGPAF's transmission prevention program.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-50284314425298709602010-09-13T18:47:00.005-04:002010-09-16T23:30:45.143-04:00"Around the World in 18 Hours!"Yesterday, we had the DM11' Chair Retreat and we're all so excited to bring you the best Dance Marathon that Boston University has seen! It was such a great bonding experience, but we also jumped right into getting everyone on track and generating new ideas for the upcoming Dance Marathon. All the chairs are definitely ready to work hard to make DM11' a success. Not to mention, we were really surprised by all the creative ideas and input that the chairs had about different fundraisers and entertainment!<br /><br />Aside from the great progress of the retreat, we wanted to give a special thank you to Rachel Hinger from the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Lena from One Heartland for stopping by and sharing their stories about their organizations and experiences. We appreciate all the advice they have given us and it was great to meet both of them! We look forward to seeing them in the near future!<br /><br />Finally, the most exciting news is that we've chosen the theme for DM11'! After much consideration, we decided it would be "Around the World in 18 Hours!" That means we'll be taking you on a trip to different countries to experience the various cultures of the world. Because Pediatric HIV/AIDS is affecting numerous children across the globe, we wanted to bring everyone together for a night of celebrating and unity for one great cause! So pack your bags and come with us on an 18-hour journey that you'll never forget!<br /><br />Check out some pictures of us brainstorming new ideas at the retreat!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbxMi0gQiwyjgSZjKqwAyr9PR1f-MgA8Td25hPGJgYFy8ObX4QRrYD0QB2FVJwBxV_0mMcTa3EL7V0LmegHNCLuUT8Ohr4I2TaI0jlozz94QczvbiHXviG-jaLWSPGHJEXNTvhMQMdUw/s1600/P1020873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbxMi0gQiwyjgSZjKqwAyr9PR1f-MgA8Td25hPGJgYFy8ObX4QRrYD0QB2FVJwBxV_0mMcTa3EL7V0LmegHNCLuUT8Ohr4I2TaI0jlozz94QczvbiHXviG-jaLWSPGHJEXNTvhMQMdUw/s200/P1020873.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516541293832982946" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJB8-PVdd0nKg5uM-qAEZ4j_BgZBgecbEfJYGMITil7lemMrDSczylhwCNc5iHd562jcY0X6X_us7HJXQ2-LRYTQLMBPzfq4zUOU2GlbOt5LHv5HCnz3AM0OnElp6fQHCbLokiW1eO2I/s1600/P1020874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJB8-PVdd0nKg5uM-qAEZ4j_BgZBgecbEfJYGMITil7lemMrDSczylhwCNc5iHd562jcY0X6X_us7HJXQ2-LRYTQLMBPzfq4zUOU2GlbOt5LHv5HCnz3AM0OnElp6fQHCbLokiW1eO2I/s200/P1020874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516542574697791730" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcaP2Vjl_zwq3wymnAGxUo0GSZeZXQA_KKgBjMjxp4eOaoJokTRgGhWT0c49rKqifWLkiGNm6YgZojXpMQMEplu0W4eV60kESxnkgngRn1L-wAbbk5GwlDEzNTBC_OvcDoJKm390SScI/s1600/P1020878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcaP2Vjl_zwq3wymnAGxUo0GSZeZXQA_KKgBjMjxp4eOaoJokTRgGhWT0c49rKqifWLkiGNm6YgZojXpMQMEplu0W4eV60kESxnkgngRn1L-wAbbk5GwlDEzNTBC_OvcDoJKm390SScI/s200/P1020878.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516543777867607682" /></a><br /><br />DM Love,<br />Steph, Maggie, & Eric<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br /><br /> var _gaq = _gaq || [];<br /> _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-16139986-1']);<br /> _gaq.push(['_setDomainName', '.blogspot.com']);<br /> _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);<br /><br /> (function() {<br /> var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;<br /> ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';<br /> var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);<br /> })();<br /><br /></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4475758102899813604.post-70091187952177098182010-09-03T13:34:00.003-04:002010-09-16T23:30:56.779-04:00We're Already Making a SPLASH!To all the freshmen, welcome to the BU community! We held a table at SPLASH earlier this week and it went really well! Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success. We were excited to see all the new, eager faces and we definitely hope all of you will be attending Dance Marathon 11' in the spring. We received numerous contacts and emails from a lot of interested people so we have a feeling this year is going to be BIG! We'll email everyone who signed up in a couple of days so get ready to hear from us!<br /><br />Until then, you guys still have a chance to sign up on our contact list by sending us an email to budm@bu.edu or come check us out at the Student Activities Expo on September 15, 2010 from 3-7PM. We'll be handing out our infamous condoms labeled with "I can do it for 18 hours" and also some free t-shirts! <br /><br />Keep the emails coming!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyrTMzdXe9NN1vwaYEOWl3wYFpcrXLbLchgbWPJWpAzj3IguPKfMOJqgVIELOOIqzOx_zawkFcCtPT18aHjpTxjfIJ7BlRhSlN_WmnC2eJXRLljvK48WveXWkVIq-mY7oBckfm13cAao/s1600/46837_464105550305_554375305_7037054_6108680_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyrTMzdXe9NN1vwaYEOWl3wYFpcrXLbLchgbWPJWpAzj3IguPKfMOJqgVIELOOIqzOx_zawkFcCtPT18aHjpTxjfIJ7BlRhSlN_WmnC2eJXRLljvK48WveXWkVIq-mY7oBckfm13cAao/s320/46837_464105550305_554375305_7037054_6108680_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512830942435906594" /></a><br /><br />DMLove,<br />Steph, Maggie, & Eric<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br /><br /> var _gaq = _gaq || [];<br /> _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-16139986-1']);<br /> _gaq.push(['_setDomainName', '.blogspot.com']);<br /> _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);<br /><br /> (function() {<br /> var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;<br /> ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';<br /> var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);<br /> })();<br /><br /></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0