(CAMDEN) – Assemblyman Angel Fuentes presided over the opening ceremonies for the 2012 AIDS Walk in Pennsauken on Sunday, May 6th. The Walk was hosted by seven organizations across the state to raise funds for AIDS research and treatment, and to increase awareness of the thousands of New Jersey residents who have been affected by this disease. Dooley House of Camden, a home for medically fragile children, hosted the event locally.

“It was my honor to participate in this wonderful event,” said Assemblyman Fuentes. “The AIDS epidemic has touched so many lives, and I was glad to see the overwhelming support displayed by our community today.”

While AIDS Walks have been held in New Jersey for twenty years, it is only recently that a consortium of service organizations decided to unite their efforts into a statewide event.

Proceeds from the Walk fund programs offered by its contributing organizations, which along with Dooley House include Buddies of New Jersey, New Jersey AIDS Services, North Jersey Community Research Initiative, New Jersey Women and AIDS Network, South Jersey AIDS Alliance, and The Center in Asbury Park.

“Each of these organizations is vital to the more than 35,000 New Jersey residents living with HIV/AIDS,” added Assemblyman Fuentes. “The AIDS Walk helps them continue their important work.”