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AIDS LIFE/CYCLE
It was almost four years ago when I participated in my first AIDS/LIFECYCLE. For the purpose of this letter, I will recap some of my experiences during those four years, and share the importance of the AIDS/LIFECYCLE event.
The AIDS/LIFECYCLE is a six day, 545 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angles. Each rider, from Roadie to Cyclist, has one thing on their mind: ending HIV/AIDS. Many of shared responsibilities, from getting water waving cyclists in and riding. These days can be very hard and very draining. I can remember one day on the ride very well. Our team of seven got ready for a big day passing out water to the riders. We set out seven tables, and three water jugs, twenty five gallons of water, in addition to three different kinds of Gatorade. All of a sudden, there were over forty riders in front of us asking for water. That was the sight of thousands of riders asking for water...
One night which happens to be the hardest night of the ride? We all cam back to camp set up our tents took showers and ate dinner. Later, three thousand participants lit candles and walked to the beach. Try to imagine the dark summer night, and three thousand people walking together in unison towards the beach holding candles. We all gathered as a group and made a big circle, the circle wrapped around at least twice. Many people wrote friends names in the sand who were survivors or victims of HIV/AIDS.
A common misconception is that HIV/AIDS is not a huge crisis any more because of the great new medications. More that one million Americans are infected, and more than 25 percent do not know they are infected. Communities of color experience a disproportionate rate of folks with HIV/AIDS. For example, African Americans account for 50 percent of new infections, though they represent only 12 percent of the entire population. More than half of new HIV infections occur in people under the age of twenty-five, and the percent of women with HIV has tripled in the last two decades. The average annual cost of care for a person living with HIV in the US exceeds $25,000.
Consideration from you would be appreciated. Your donation and my participation will help bring awareness to this world issue. Three years ago I dislocated my shoulder on the ride. I still gave my 100%. My arm was in a sling, but still passed out water to the riders and kept a smile on my face. I need to raise $3000. Dollars in order to ride my bike. This is very important event in my life, as I have lost several friends to this disease. I also have many friends living with HIV/AIDS. I have put a link to my web page so it is easier to donate to. Also if you are not able to make a larger donation at this time there is a way you can. AIDS LIFE CYCLE has made a payment plan where you can pay over ten months.
If you prefer to make your donation by check, please click here for a printable donation form.