"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
--Mahatma Gandhi

To all my friends, supporters, and colleagues.

This June, it will be 22 years since I last took part in the world's largest single event HIV/AIDS fundraiser, a 545-mile bike ride that benefits the HIV/AIDS-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. So, while I've supported, donated, and trained for many years, 2022 will be my first return to this challenge in many years.

I initially did the Ride in 1999 because, at the time, I thought I had only months to live. It was my sixth anniversary of being HIV, medicines were limited and toxic, my health was struggling greatly, so I wanted to challenge myself to fight for those living and aging with HIV/AIDS one last time. However, to my thankful surprise, I'm still here!

Since 1993, when the Ride began as the "California AIDS Ride," participants have raised more than $220 million and completed more than 42,000 journeys on bikes from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the 2020 and 2021 in-person rides to be canceled, but it is set to make its return this year, June 5–11. 

My participation in the AIDS Lifecycle is not just about fundraising; it's a commitment I've made to others to honor those lives lost to this disease and help fight for the future of all of us living and aging with HIV/AIDS. 

• I RIDE to remember and honor those who we have lost over the last 40 years
• I RIDE to support others who are battling obstacles for medical access daily
• I RIDE to bring awareness, education, and knowledge to those around me
• I RIDE to celebrate those of us living and aging with HIV/AIDS
• I FUNDRAISE to help keep the greatly needed services flowing

Your support means so much, so please DO if you can donate.

With continued Gratitude,

Brett

What your donation does:
• $2,500 helps four HIV-positive people receive stable housing for one month.
• $1,000 helps provide two Community Education Forums where 150 individuals can learn more about HIV.
• $250 helps provide ten rapid HIV antibody tests at a testing site.
• $175 helps provide case management for 15 HIV-positive clients who are homeless.
• $150 helps provide 1,000 syringes through the street-based Syringe Access Services.
• $100 helps provide the travel cost for a Treatment Advocacy Coordinator to attend the medical appointments of 25 clients, provide moral support, and help clients advocate for themselves.
• $25 helps a financial benefits counselor assist one person in navigating the private and public benefits systems.
• $10 helps provide 143 condoms to the SFAF and LA LGBT Center's service sites.