Walk & 5k to End HIV 2021: Mr. Randy Pumphrey

this pic taken when I was 16 and she was 46. We were on a roller coaster. Life is a roller coaster, try and find joy even in struggle.

35th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV

Dear Friends and Family.

This has been a very difficult year and I can't believe that we are already in October! For Joaquim and I we lost our beloved beagle, Chester. We lost Joaquim’s mom, Lucilia from COVID, and most recently we lost my mom Shirley right before her 93rd birthday. Chester escorted me on many walks, excited to see the other pups. Although he often got side tracked at the Mall and just want to play with sticks. He appeared often in my pic for the next year’s walk.

My mom, always checked in to see if I had made my goal. If I hadn’t she always wanted to bring me over the finish line with her contribution.

From the early days of HIV/AIDS, my mom was there. When I was a Chaplain at Washington Hospital Center, I would call her after one of my clients had died of AIDS. Young men and women who still had so much to offer the world and families torn up with grief over the loss of their sons and daughters. I remember one night in particular, I had sat with a mom for hours after her son had died. We waited for his partner to arrive. She questioned why this was happening to her. She was looking for answers and so was I. I realized that there are moments like death that call us to accept, no matter how hard it feels. I called mom, just to hear her voice because I too needed to be comforted. She knew what to say.

I am proud of the work that Whitman-Walker has done in the midst of COVID. I work with an amazing Team of Behavioral Health clinicians who turned on a dime to do telehealth, so that our clients would have continued care. Slowly many of us are coming back to the Whitman-Walker’s buildings to provide in person care. Providing such meaningful and compassionate care.

On Saturday, October 23rd, I’m participating in the 35th annual Walk & 5K to End HIV benefiting the HIV programs and services of Whitman-Walker Health. I need your support to help me not only reach my goal of raising funds for this important cause, but exceed my goal.

I don't have much time. With only 23 days please dig deep into your pocket and give what you can. Every dollar helps.

HIV remains an epidemic in D.C. and Whitman-Walker Health focuses on services and education designed to prevent transmission of the virus and provide care to those who are infected. In this pandemic, it was sometimes difficult for persons to get their follow-up care.

The Walk & 5K to End HIV is a vital part of ensuring we have the resources to continue our support of at-risk and HIV-positive populations. That’s why I’m raising funds through this year’s Walk & 5K. So please give what ever you can. I know that some of you can give more. If you can please do!!!!!!

Your donation will go toward lifesaving services that Whitman-Walker Health provides for thousands of men and women in our area living with HIV and AIDS—regardless of their ability to pay. And you will help fund critical prevention outreach and treatment programs that can help end HIV in D.C..

And in the end you will be helping Shirley, help me reach my goal. She will be cheering in Heaven with every step I take.

Thank you all. Be SAFE and please give today. Randy

Achievements

Sprint Level Milestone

I've raised $5,000 or more for the Walk!

I Made a Difference!

I supported this event with a personal donation.

Personal Progress:

of Goal

$5,750 Raised

$15,000.00

Fundraising Honor Roll

Shirley

$1,000

Randy Pumphrey

$1,000

Chuck Marbley

$500

Sal Martino

$500

Roger & Connie Pumphrey

$350

Karen Pumphrey

$250

David Taylor

$250

Judy&Darryl

$200

Victor & Sean

$200

Susan Fisher

$200

Berkana LLC

$150

Anonymous

$150

Sandra and George

$100

Anonymous

$100

Benny and Bella

$100

Dave Bieniek & Ervin Knezek

$100

Yavar Moghimi

$100

Joseph Izzo

$100

Dave Rhea and Ray Perry

$100

Lynn & Richard Campbell

$100

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