Barbara Bennet, a long-time friend of ARCS and the current Coordinator of the Hudson Valley HIV CARE Network, is running in Scranton, PA’s Steamtown Marathon and has turned it into a fundraising opportunity for ARCS. Here’s the story, in her own words:

“Hello!

I’m running in the Steamtown Marathon, Scranton , PA to raise money for AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) – please make a donation by visiting our FirstGiving page: http://www.firstgiving.com/barbarabennet

As many of you may know, I work for ARCS, which is a non-profit HIV/AIDS services organization that has offices in seven counties in the Hudson Valley.  Since the budget crisis began in 2008, ARCS has lost several education and prevention programs and  $1.1 million of money due to recession-based cutbacks.

Every nonprofit is hurting, yes its true.  However, HIV infection is 100% preventable, but growing among our neighbors.

One of largest growing populations of new HIV infections in our region (yes, HUDSON VALLEY) is among women of child bearing age.  This means that women are being infected with HIV because they do not know enough to protect themselves or they don’t have the means to do so.

Cost-analysis studies show, that the cost to prevent an HIV infection is about $50.00 and the cost of treating an infection is about $600,000 over a lifetime.
Providing education and prevention alternatives to our neighbors is of the utmost importance during this time of economic hardship when many women are not able to support themselves.

This year, I am asking that you consider donating to ARCS to help prevent the spread of HIV among our neighbors.

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) by FirstGiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.

Please forward this email to anyone who shares your passion and commitment to helping our community.

With love always,

Barbara”