The impact of HIV/AIDS on the world is difficult to overlook, perhaps more so in the San Francisco bay area where the epidemic decimated the gay community in the 80’s and 90’s. While not directly affected, I have supported AIDS-related organizations and legislation in San Francisco and California at large ever since I moved here over a decade ago. This year I will be trying something of a slightly different color: AIDS/LifeCycle. An event which brings thousands of cyclists, roadies, and supporters together to ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, raising millions of dollars in the process. This year, rather than donating to friends’ fundraising activities, I will be joining them!.
My journey officially started this week, first by taking the plunge and signing up. Next up was taking some time off of work to go get properly fitted with my commuter/road bike so that I can start training once the smoke clears for the 545 miles in five days of exciting cycling between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The meager fundraising goal which I have set for myself is $5,000. That’s not huge, but $5,000 which the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center can use to provide preventive care, free testing, condoms, and to keep a number of other support services operational in our northern and southern California communities.
It has been less than a week and I am already amazed by the support by some friends and family who have donated to the cause. From the bigger donations to the smallest, like a few $10 donations from some college students I know, everything is appreciated and will be put to good use to help end AIDS.
Between now and next June, I will continue to blog about my training and progress. I’m incredibly excited to see how much we can raise for AIDS/LifeCycle 2019.
The team I have joined, Team ALCaholics, have set an ambituous but attainable goal of $400,000 this year, and I really would appreciate your help in getting us there!
My donation page, and fundraising progress, can be found here.
I hope you will join me, and thousands of other supporters, to end AIDS!