AIDS/LifeCycle Cyclist speaks to Oprah Winfrey – Interview #9

The following interviews are the opinions of individuals in the AIDS/LifeCycle Community. No harm of any kind is intended. . . . And each individual’s statements are truly their own ….

Nane: Erlinda
Education: Completed 4 years of college
Height: 5’5″
Weight: 150
Age: 26
Birth Place/Origin: Ridgecrest, CA.
Occupation: Data Analyst for Netzero
Present Location/Where do you live? Woodland Hills, CA. 91364
Favorite Book: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

1.) What do you think is the world’s greatest asset?
I think that the worlds’s greatest asset is the human heart. It’s utterly amazing to me that people can give so much of themselves in order to make another person live. I tasted this during AIDS/LifeCycle #4 – 2005. I injured myself on Day Two (at 4.2 miles in to be exact). I spent the day in the ER and came back to camp on crutches. I stayed with my new family until I go to Los Angeles. And, I was so changed from the whole experience that now, I want to do more …

2.) If you could make one wish for humanity what would it be?
Ronald Regan said it best: “I know in my heart that man is good.” I agree completely and my wish is that more people would try to seek out the good in people instead of jumping to conclusions about a person based on age, gender, race, or sexual preference. I wish more people could try to help others, even if it’s the littlest thing. The smallest effort can change a person’s outlook on life, even if it is just for a moment in time.

3.) How has the AIDS/HIV Panademic affected you?
I realized that I pretty much grew up with AIDS/HIV being in the mainstream culture. I grew up learning about it in every grade. I grew up when it was a death sentence. Now that I’m older, I realized I don’t want my nieces, my nephew or even my future kids to deal with it like I had to. I want the next generations to live in a world that some insidious disease that could have been prevented isn’t killing off their world.

4.) How many years have you participated in the AIDS/LifeCycle Event?
This will be my second year. I signed up to roadie since I didn’t know how long it would take for my knee to heal. I had surgery three weeks ago. And now, I’ve been thinking about changing my roadie status to rider. I want to do the ride that I never got to finish last year.

5.) Have you participated in any other AIDS related charity events? (If so, what? And, how many?)
Just the AIDS/LifeCycle #4 – 2005 And this coming year, I will be participating in the Camp Laurel Ride for AIDS

6.) If you had one thing to say to the world, what would it be?
There is good in each and every one of us. It’s up to us to change the world and make it a better place. You’re smallest action is one step forward to a world without hate.

7.) If you had one thing to say to Oprah Winfrey, what would it be?
Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done. You are an inspiration to so many people. You are truly and angel.

8.) If you had one thing to say to Lance Armstrong, what would it be?
YOU ROCK! You made me push myself to ride longer than I ever have! You are an inspiration for me not to give up! Thanks!

9.) What are you passions in life?
Art, cycling, family and friends.

10.) What are your personal goals in life?
Stay on course with my career, do my AIDS charity work. FINALLY FINISH an AIDS/LifeCycle Event! Remember to always know how to smile!

Thank you Erlinda, we will be in touch ….Yoga teacher, tony eason

A wishlist to Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions