GMHC and presenting sponsor ViiV Healthcare expect more than 10,000 walkers for the 41st annual celebration
The Grand Marshal tradition returns after a multi-year hiatus
April 21, 2026 — On Sunday, May 17, GMHC — the world’s first HIV and AIDS service organization — will host one of New York City’s largest and most iconic fundraising events: the 41st AIDS Walk New York, presented by ViiV Healthcare. The Walk is the only event of its kind held in Central Park.
Since its founding in 1986, supporters and advocates have activated to raise millions for GMHC’s life-saving services — health, housing, workforce development, and more — while celebrating how far we’ve come in improving the lives of community members across the five boroughs. Over the years, AIDS Walk New York has raised more than $170 million and inspired nearly one million people to walk 6.2 miles in support of making HIV/AIDS services accessible to everyone across the Tri-State area. Last year, more than 10,000 walkers raised over $1.9 million. This year, GMHC aims to surpass that total as the need for services continues to grow
“Every year, I am blown away by the commitment of our walkers to walk until everyone has access to the treatment, testing, and care offered by GMHC, regardless of their socioeconomic, health, or gender status,” said Michael Hester, GMHC’s co-chief executive officer and chief financial officer. “GMHC has a wealth of programs available to New Yorkers, and as we continue to expand our services, the goal will be to make sure that anyone who needs them, can access them.”
The need for GMHC’s services has never been more urgent, especially when funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and research is facing growing uncertainty. This is why community-driven fundraising efforts like AIDS Walk New York will continue to lead the way in sustaining the services that New Yorkers depend on. Nearly 1,800 New Yorkers are diagnosed with HIV each year, and more than 132,000 are currently living with the virus.
This year’s theme, Walk Like An Icon, celebrates the spirit of community with the joy, resilience, and style that has defined this event for more than four decades. Just as important, it honors the progress made and the determination to meet this year’s challenges head-on.
After a multi-year hiatus, AIDS Walk New York 2026 will bring back the tradition of the Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal and Master of Ceremonies will be announced in the coming weeks.
“ViiV Healthcare is proud to stand united with GMHC and walk like an icon as the presenting sponsor of AIDS Walk New York for six years running, working together to ensure that no one living with HIV is left behind,” said Amanda Mott, vice president, market access at ViiV Healthcare.
CBS New York returns as the event’s official media partner, providing live coverage of the Walk.
Join us and other icons on May 17, at Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell, when we celebrate the Walk’s 41st anniversary as only New Yorkers can.
To register for the event, to donate, or for more information, visit AIDS Walk New York.
Follow GMHC and AIDS Walk NY on Facebook and Instagram, and GMHC on LinkedIn, for updates, walker spotlights, and day-of coverage.
GMHC is thankful for our dedicated sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: ViiV Healthcare
Grand Sponsors: Captivate, Gilead, Mesmerize
Principal Sponsors: Druckenmiller Foundation, The Keith Haring Foundation, TD Bank, That’s It, Trooper Foods
Major Sponsors: Action Carting, Avita Pharmacy, Merck, Paul Weiss, Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation
Supporting Sponsors: Boca Pharmacy Group, CVS, The Morrison & Foerster Foundation, PwC
Event Sponsors: Amida Care, Anthem, Apollo, MetroPlus Health, Oaktree, Ropes & Gray
Media Sponsor: CBS New York
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About GMHC
Founded in 1982, GMHC is the world’s first and leading provider of HIV and AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. We provide holistic services including hot meals, legal assistance, housing support, workforce development, mental health services and more to thousands of clients. Our mission is to fight the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of those affected.
About ViiV Healthcare
ViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company established in November 2009 with GSK (LSE: GSK) and Shionogi as current shareholders. The company is dedicated to delivering advances in treatment and care for people living with HIV and for people who could benefit from HIV prevention. ViiV Healthcare’s aims are to take a deeper and broader interest in HIV and AIDS than any company has done before and take a new approach to deliver effective and innovative medicines for HIV treatment and prevention, as well as support communities affected by HIV.