(Chicago, IL) Over the last 19 years, TEAM TO ENDS AIDS (T2)the only HIV charity fundraising marathon team in the Midwesthas raised more than $13 million for HIV/AIDS awareness and direct support for those living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. T2 aims to improve lives by raising critical funds to support the programs and initiatives of AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC), including Getting to Zero IL, the statewide fight to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. Through endurance sports events, including marathon participation, T2 raises awareness, reduces stigma, empowers participants, and encourages action to create health equity across Chicagoland.
"Through meaningful engagement with a people first approach, T2 has cultivated a family-like atmosphere where individuals come together to help vulnerable communities and each other," said T2 Director Jonathan Harris. "Our T2 family is diverse, with runners of varying experience, ability, age, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identity and motivations for joining T2. What unites the team is a sense of acceptance and community, a safe space to be themselves and a desire to make an impact on the HIV epidemic in Chicago and Illinois. As we approach our 20th anniversary, we call on LGBTQ friends, allies and supporters to join T2 in this fight for health equity for all."
Last year, T2 raised more than $330,000 for AFC and community partner organizations working together to provide care such as housing, medical care and case management. In 2022, T2 is encouraging participants to join and accomplish a goal of running the Chicago Marathon while benefitting people in need.
T2 athletes help raise awareness by participating in world class races such as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. With close to 1,000 charity teams representing hundreds of causes, at both these races, T2 is the only HIV/AIDS focused organization to run on behalf of in Chicago. NYC offers 2 additional HIV/AIDS charities, T2 is the only team whose work and funding is focused on the Midwest.
T2 athletes receive personalized coach-led training, race gear, guaranteed race entry, VIP race day experience, fundraising support and a sense of pride from helping the community affected by HIV.
Registration for the available charity race entries for the 44th Bank of America Chicago Marathon ends on May 31.For more information on registration, visit www.t2ea.com .