I'm Riding... Because I can.

In 1983, when i was a freshman at the University of Southern California, i met a certain Stephen Home. Stephen was bright. Stephen was funny. Stephen was fiercely proud of who he was. Stephen was also in possession of something I was not: a car.  Thus, he and I became quite an odd couple, tromping around in an idealized 1980s "John Hughes meets 'Less Than Zero' " existence.  He became one of my dearest and truest friends.

In 1992, Stephen seroconverted and joined the legions of HIV infected men, women and children affected by this epidemic.

In response, I began to do what I could.  I danced at "Dance-a-thons".  I worked at fundraisers.  I got all "black tie" and sat and listened to speeches.  I volunteered at family camps. My daughters and I delivered food to people too weak or ill to leave their home.  If there was something to be done I did it.

Along the way, I saw people fall.  I saw friends lose loved ones.  I saw mothers lose children. I accepted phone calls from volunteer coordinators letting me know that "there is a route change on your delivery. 'X' passed away and won't be needing anything".  Along the way, I never cried. I merely kept going.  Doing what I could - and what I still can - do.

In 2009, Stephen Home died.

In 2009, I cried.

In 2010, I am riding a bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles, because after all the dancing and dining and talking and auctioning and raffling and walking and donating, there are still people suffering and in need of our help.

In 2010 I am riding because I can.

Please, help.

My Personal Web Log

If you prefer to make your donation by check, please click here for a printable donation form.