I'm Riding to End AIDS

Hello Family and Friends!

On May 31st, 2009 I left on the life-changing journey of a lifetime!  I rode my bike for 7 days, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, to support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.  I did "The Ride" for many reasons, all of them personal.  The main reason was to honor my cousin, Corrin, who we lost to HIV/AIDS in 1996.

Something happened to me during those 7 days that made me realize that not only were my personal reasons for riding important, but there are other reasons just as important.  There are more hills I want to climb, more sights to see, more days to finish and more people to help.

Among the 2149 riders that I rode with, were a group of riders called the Positive Pedalers.  This is a group of riders that are living with HIV/AIDS and are committed to building a supportive and inclusive community for all people living with HIV/AIDS.  They were such an inspiration to me.  As I struggled up hills thinking I could go no further, there was someone standing at the top of the hill with a sign thanking ME for riding for them!  This made a huge impact on me and still gives me goosebumps with I talk about it.

There are so many people living with this horrible disease that depend on the San Francisco AIDS Foundation to live.  The SFAF provides life saving programs, counseling, and needed drugs to those living with HIV/AIDS.  AND now those needed services and programs are being cut at the State level.  

Because of these cuts, "The Ride" has become more important than ever before and I have pledged to make "The Ride" a part of my life.  Not only because it is something I know I can do to continue to honor Corrin, but it's something I can do to honor those lost to and those living with this horrible disease.  I can do my part to raise funds that will help provide the needed services that they otherwise wouldn't be able to get.

So, I am asking my friends and family, again, to join me both financially and emotionally and please consider making a donation to help me in my efforts to reach my goal of $5,000 as I train and ride the AIDS/LifeCycle in June 2010.

Donations can be made by clicking the "Donate to support Shelley" button on this page.  If you prefer to pay by check, you can scroll to the bottom of the page and click where it says: If you prefer to make your donation by check, please click here for a printable donation form.

Help me support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation by giving what you can.  We'll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.

Thank you for your love and support!!

Shell