In Lunyoro (Banyoro) there is a proverb that says ‘Omwana takulila nju emoi,’ whose literal translation is ‘A child does not grow up only in a single home.
In Kihaya (Bahaya) there is a saying, ‘Omwana taba womoi,’ which translates as ‘A child belongs not to one parent or home.
In Kijita (Wajita) there is a proverb which says ‘Omwana ni wa bhone,’ meaning regardless of a child’s biological parent(s) its upbringing belongs to the community.
Bottom Line: “It takes a village to raise a child.
After approximately 6 months of fundraising parties; bake sales; silent auctions; raffles; and riding the f*ck out of their bikes ………. On 03 June 2012, 2,500 cycling philanthropist will caravan 545 miles down the California coastline to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS while simultaneously raising the funding for critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of not only “the child” . . . BUT also the village.
View AIDSLifeCycle – AIDS Ride in a larger map
Each cyclist has committed to raise their $3.000.00 minimum to participate in AIDS/Lifecycle. Yet without the assistance of the village, they will not be able to raise the child. Can you help?
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Glenn Hammerson
I ride to support my friends who are living with AIDS & to honor those we have lost. I will keep riding untill we no longer need too.
Help me support AIDS/LifeCycle by giving what you can. We’ll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.”
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Ian Griffith
4 years ago I tested positive for HIV. I received a free HIV test, counseling, and access to world class healthcare. Today I am living a healthy and active life thanks in part to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and in fact, this is my 2nd year riding in ALC!
The hard work over the last 30 years by researchers, activists, volunteers, and people like YOU are what makes it possible for me (and so many near and dear to me) to be living healthy and active lives!
This year my partner (and now fiance), along with one of my best friends are both riding too! I have many dear friends and family who will be along for the ride and at the end of the ride.
I am riding for those whom we have lost and those who can no longer ride.”
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Marcus Lucero
Growing up I was aware of the tragedy that took the lives of so many of my queer brothers and sisters in the 1980s and 90s. All through my young life, I tried to pay tribute to the people that came before me. In the 1990s I accomplished this through education and outreach in schools through the Cascades AIDS Project in Portland, OR. Now it’s by biking my way through California to help raise awareness through action and fundraising with AIDS/LifeCycle 11.”
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Bruce Bellamy
“What would you say if I told you that I need your help to save a life? Hey, I’ll get by with a little help from friends, Yes, I’m gonna ride with a little help from my friends, 545 with a little help from my friends, savin’ a life of a friend, with a little help from my friends…”
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Lynn Speckmann
“For my 6th year in a row, I’m biking in AIDS/LifeCycle from June 3-9, 2012. I’ve been a strong advocate for this cause and actively particiapte in ways beyond riding my bike. I love it. I’ve enjoyed every mile ridden. Every muscle ache or pain endured. Every new friend made. Every sunny, rainy, hot or cold day. Every porta potty used. Every red dress proudly worn. Every quiet night in a tent. And every person I’ve helped to live a little better with HIV/Aids.”
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Christopher Watros
“This coming June will make my third and final year riding in the AIDS/LifeCycle. Part of me is saddened by having to say this, yet another part of me enjoys and will embrace the path I have chosen for my education and career. The next six years has much in store for me and will limit me on free time so I want to go out with a bang.
Over the past two years I have done a home page explaining who this impacts and why it is so important to me. This story is not uncommon to hear now from many individuals that they know someone living with HIV/AIDS and they wanted to do something to help. What better way then doing fundraisers to raise money to support programs in prevention, education, and help those living with the disease.
I am proud to ride amongst individuals such as myself. We ride because we have hope that one day someone living with HIV/AIDS will be cured. We ride because we have lost someone dear to us in our lifetime and never wish for another to have to experience the same loss. We ride because we know someone living with AIDS and we are aware that it could easily be us in their shoes. We ride because we know that HIV/AIDS does not just effect the homosexual population of this world now, it effects the heterosexual population, white’s, black’s, Mexican, children, youth, adults, female and male. This disease does not have a single person it affects, but us all.
I believe in programs like what the San Francisco AIDS Foundation has to offer to our community. I believe that everything we can do now will allow for a better tomorrow and I hope that you can help me with this. Please support me by donating what you can by clicking donate and giving a flat donation or if you like to make payments so you can give more you have that choice to as well.
Thank you for taking the time to help and I appreciate your donation!”
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Tony Eason
“At the age of 32, a friend suggested, “sit in the nude & stare into a mirror.” So, I did. And after staring (for 10 minutes) at my face, arms, stomach, eyes, feet and legs, I realized the mirror reflection did not match up with the words pouring out of my mouth. And therefore, I altered my lifestyle to create an individual I would enjoy seeing each morning.
Therefore, in June 2012, for my 15th Year, I will participate in an event to benefit the S.F. AIDS Foundation called AIDS/LifeCycle. Each year, I raise my $3,000.00 minimum to participate & bike 575 miles (from San Francisco to Los Angeles). And, I complete the ride knowing I did the right thing.
AIDS/LifeCycle is a fully supported, 7-day bike event from San Francisco to Los Angeles, June 3 – 9, 2012. It’s a life-changing ride—not a race—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. AIDSLifeCycle is co-produced by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center & the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and is designed to advance their shared interest to end the AIDS pandemic.
So remember, it does not matter:
• Where you came from …
• What obstacles are in your way ….
• What others may think of you …
• Why you think it would never work ……
• Or why you want to start tomorrow …….
It only matters what “you do.” – So do what you can do ……”
AIDS/Lifecycle Cyclist – Daniel Bishop
“I’ll try anything twice.
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From June 3-9, 2012, I’m bicycling in ALC 11.
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It’s a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to make a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.
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The ride last June was fantastic! And since I can’t seem to get my fill of California scenery, awesome people, and time in the saddle – I’ve decided to do it again.
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It’s not easy to forget the tears, the muscle pain, the sore butt, the wet tent, and the endless portapotty lines. It’s even harder to forget the comraderie, the team spirit, the laughter and the beauty.
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Oh, and it’s all for a good cause as well which makes it not just a great thing to do, but a great chance to make a difference and do something good for those who really do need it!
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I’m excited about ALC11! Help me support AIDS/LifeCycle by giving what you can.
Many thanks!
Question: Why do I ride?
Answer:
- Because it is fun.
- Because it is a personal challenge.
- Because it makes me face my fears.
- Because it is a source of inner strength.
- Because it is a life changing experience.
- Because it reminds me how blessed I really am.
- Because it strengthens my body, my mind, and my spirit.
- Because it is an event that remembers and acknowledges the suffering of the past and the present.
- Because it is an event rooted in joy and hope for the future.
- Because it reminds me of the good we can do when we come together for a common cause.
- Because helping others makes me a better person.
- Because I have seen the positive effect the ride can have on individuals and communities.
- Because I have friends who suffer from HIV and the stigma associated with it.
- Because I want to see a world free of suffering from HIV.”
“I’m Riding to End AIDS
From June 3-9, 2012, I’m bicycling in AIDS/LifeCycle. It’s a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to make a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Help me support AIDS/LifeCycle by giving what you can. We’ll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.”