Thank you for joining me in this cause!
From June 2nd to 8th, 2019, over 3,000 Cyclists, Roadies and Virtual Cyclists will be participating in AIDS/LifeCycle, a 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise funds for the life-saving services offered by San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. I am joining this event for the fourth time, and once again as a roadie, in the effort to end HIV and AIDS.
My duties are with the Route Marking Team. With my teammates we get out ahead of the riders every morning, and we will work till after the last riders arrive at the next camp. Our team's goals are to ensure that each and very one of the thousands of bicyclists have a safe ride ahead of them. We identify problems along the route such as where signage may be insufficient or needing replacement, we sweep and clean up debris from the road, we detour folks around unexpected obstacles. Each day ends with taking down the signs from the route traversed, and to be reused for the following days’ route. Some of our unvoiced responsibilities include removing roadkill — how butch is that? — and ask to see my favorite pics from last year. :)
But seriously, why am I involved this event yet again? It's because the SF AIDS Foundation's services are so important. As a person living with HIV for over 35 years, I’m evidence of the crucial role their health services play in ensuring in the vibrancy of the gay community everywhere. Have you heard of the "Getting to Zero" campaign with goal to reach the day when we have no new HIV Infections? In no small part due to this campaign, the infection rate in San Francisco has dropped more than 50% since 2012! The day when HIV/AIDS will be vanquished is within our reach. The services provided as a result of this fundraising event mean the world to all who receive them, and your support means the world to me.
We’re working together to make HIV/AIDS a thing of the past. Please will you support me by making a donation today?