Broadway's Rent:

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day -- according to the Website www.worldaidsday.org, around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day. Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year, it's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I had the pleasure of seeing the off-Broadway show Rent -- it's an amazing musical that just reminds you about a disease that many of us have perhaps become complacent about. I spoke to Shelley Morrison, from Will & Grace who does a lot of work for AIDS organizations about this and she said that it was because people think that the medications will take care of the disease now so they aren't worried about preventing it as much. Prevention and awareness are still vitally important to stopping this horrific disease.

In honor of the cast of Rent, who has raised millions for AIDS, make a donation, volunteer your time, send a gift to an AIDS patient, or do SOMETHING today for someone with AIDS. Visit Broadway Cares for more information.