Why I ride: I’m part of the generation that grew up with an awareness of AIDS and its terrifying and devastating consequences. I remember sitting in front of the TV as a little girl and watching Magic Johnson, one of my sports heroes, share that he was HIV positive. At the time, it was a death sentence. I remember sobbing when I found out, and I remember with visceral clarity the horror I felt every time a news story aired about those afflicted with, and lost to, this terrible disease.

I’m bi/pan and my best friend is gay, so I remain highly aware of the risks that HIV continues to pose. I want to give back to our community, raise awareness, and support our most vulnerable members with life-saving medical supplies and assistance.

Today, AIDS remains one of the leading causes of death among young people. Now, every 9 1/2 minutes someone in the US is infected with HIV, and in California alone there will be 7,000 new infections this year.

Your funds are used immediately to provide counseling, HIV/STD screenings, link youth experiencing homelessness and people living with HIV to housing, and so much more.

Thank you for joining me in this cause!

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How funds are used:

$5,000 supports comprehensive HIV medical services for 4 patients.

$2,000 covers medical supplies for 76 HIV patients for 1 year.

$1,000 covers medical supplies for 38 HIV patients for 1 year

$500 covers medical supplies for 19 HIV patients for 1 year.

$300 buys 160 N-95 masks to protect our patients and staff.

$175 provides comprehensive sexual health services, including HIV and STD tests, treatment, education, and counseling to 1 client.

$100 covers medical supplies for 4 HIV patients for 1 year.

$50 buys 26 N-95 masks to protect our patients and staff.

$20 covers medications for one client diagnosed with an STI.