Susan Parish’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
Four years ago, when the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center decided to produce their own ride, my immediate reaction was “I want to help!” I came on board as a Cycle Buddy for AIDS/LifeCycle 1, and since that time I have enjoyed the most rewarding work of my life.
I have participated in several rides over the past seven years, including ALC3, and have raised over $20,000 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Prior to joining the staff of AIDS/LifeCyle, I had ridden in two California AIDS Rides (CAR 5 & 7), and crewed twice (CAR 6 & 8). I also rode in the first Alaska AIDS Vaccine Ride (brrrrrr!). In July 2002, I embarked on my own personal challenge, riding my bike from Seattle to Portland, 200 miles in one day. In 2003, I did it again (why? I don’t know–it’s a question I still ask myself). I did both of these rides as fundraisers for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
AIDS/LifeCycle is much more than a bike ride. When I rode in my first AIDS ride back in 1998, I was sure that I would only do it once. I looked at it as a personal challenge, to be completed once and stored in my memory as one of life’s great experiences. And as I struggled through months of training and fundraising, my mantra became, “I’m only doing this once, I’m only doing this once…” But something happened to me on the ride. Or more precisely, many things happened. I experienced a sense of true community like I had never experienced before. I discovered that if people care enough, they truly can make a difference. And I met many, many individuals with HIV and AIDS. I knew I had to ride again.
Since then, AIDS has become a much more personal issue for me. When I first rode, I did not have any close personal friends who were affected, and AIDS seemed like of a distant problem, something I read about in the papers. Today, I have many close friends who are HIV positive, or living with AIDS. I continue to ride for them. I continue to ride for the people I meet almost every day. And I continue to ride for the millions of people I haven’t met, and possibly never will. It’s no longer a choice for me. To give up is unimaginable.
“I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
– Etienne de Grellet
Thomas Hellevig’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
During the first week of June 2004, in order to fulfill a personal challenge, I rode the AIDS Lifecycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Not knowing what to expect, I was open to, what proved to be, one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Not only did the ride galvanize my love for cycling, it opened my eyes to how much an individual can make a difference towards helping fight a worldwide scourge. The experience was so moving that in 2005 I did it again.
In those two years, I managed to raise a humble $7000.00. It is with mounting excitement that I registered to ride in the AIDS/Lifecycle 5. Much of that excitement stems from that fact that with friends that I’ve met on the previous two rides, I am riding on the inaugural season of the Atlas Café bicycle team. Along with myself, Chick Pipher (rider #2628) and Kyle Rich (rider #6139) have added the Aids Lifecycle 5 to our riding and racing calendar. The Atlas Café has made a very generous financial and gear donation towards our efforts. Even with the help of the Atlas Café’s contributions (www.atlascafe.net) I still need more help. Fundraising has never been my strong suit and every bit helps. With the money raised, who knows, maybe we’ll be having an end of Aids/HIV Cure Celebration ride soon. Thanks so much for all your help.
Kyle Rich’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
I have a lot of friends that are sick. And, I know that medications cost a lot of money. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is making sure that affordable drugs are available. My friends can’t do the ride. But, I can. …
AIDS Life Cycle …….. is the official cycling event of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center. It is the only long distance cycling AIDS fundraiser in California produced by the organizations that will benefit from the funds raised by the event, which ensures that focus will remain firmly on maximizing net return.
AIDS Life Cycle ……..is about HIV & AIDS, and about raising money to help the continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of the community.
AIDS Life Cycle ………provides a reminder that the rate of HIV infection is increasing, particularly in communities of color and in individuals under the age of 25, and that in California alone there are more than 47, 000 people living with AIDS, and another estimated 94,000 to 130,500 living with HIV.
AIDS Life Cycle ….will take place June 4 – 10, 2006, as 1,500 cyclist and 400 volunteers will travel 585 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Each cyclist is required to raise a $2,500.00 pledge minimum.
So with your help,
I can do my part …so they can take part in life.
I’m Riding to End AIDS
Ben Armstrong’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
This is the third time I have particpated in AIDS Lifecycle, the 7-day, 585-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that make a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.
I first started riding because of the personal challenge but after my experience on ALC3 I vowed to get more involved. Last year I volunteered to be a Training Ride Leader and set up the first CAT 2 series, a set of rides designed to help beginner rides prepare for the event. It was an enormous success and so I am doing it again. Starting January 29th I’ll be out every Sunday, whatever the weather. Check our the link below to get details of the rides. One of the success factors of the series was the weekly newsletter I sent out to the riders who participated. I am going to be posting that on my blog here too so keep checking back as the weeks progress.
I also really want to raise $5000. I have tried the last two years but never quite made it. The first year I raised $3500 and the second time I raised $4500. If your reading this why not hit the donate button? Any amount is OK and it really is appreciated.
Patti Segarini’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
***NEWSFLASH***11/16/05: Today, my employer, Helix Medical Communications, has committed to match all my donations, up to $2500, dollar for dollar!!!! See your donation double instantly!!! Thank you Helix!***
When one of my former training buddies, the Honorable Donna “Hulk Sister” Groman (Superior Court, Office #69), did one of the first AIDS rides from SF to LA in 1995, I was impressed, but never thought it was something I could do. Being a new parent at the time, I saw all kinds of complications and barriers to training, not to mention the physical challenge. At that time I made a promise to myself that I’d do it in 10 years when I’d be approaching 50, if I could still ride a bike. I had naively hoped that science would have eliminated the disease by then, and I could go on with my life. Well, 10 years has passed lightening quick, my 50th birthday looms on the horizon (not until 2006, thank you very much) and the AIDS epidemic hasn’t gone away.
How has AIDS touched me? In 1987, my graduate school buddy Dale Hansen lost his 5 year battle with the disease. We barely knew what the initials stood for when he was diagnosed in 1982. He outlived the predictions of the day, and most of his friends. Scott Falkenthal, another graduate school friend, was ramping up a promising career as a faculty member at Ohio State University. Scott died in 1990, and his former department, Molecular Genetics, now awards a promising student in his memory each year. Keith Hollings, a talented artist and designer, had escorted me to my high school senior prom. In 1992, almost 2 decades after graduation, our paths crossed briefly through a mutual friend. We promised to stay in touch, but six months later I learned that Keith had passed away due to complications from AIDS. And there are numerous acquaintances I’ve lost as well–all talented, wonderful, young men that passed on in the prime of their lives.
But this is just my experience; AIDS is not a disease that affects only talented, wonderful, young, white men. At the end of 2003, the CDC estimated that in the US more than 400,000 people were living with AIDS; 36% White, 42% Black, and 20% Hispanic. Seventy seven percent are men; 23% are women, and 2/3 of the women were infected by a male partner.* Worldwide, women now account for 50% of all people infected with HIV. The good news is that people with AIDS are living longer, and that’s why resources are so greatly needed.
I’ve sewn quilt panels, donated money, and raised awareness amongst my friends and family. Now I want to try something different, something that challenges me physically with the spiritual. I’m a little scared, but I’m determined to accept and complete this challenge with the love and support of my family, friends, and community. Please reach into your heart and send me a message of support (psegarini@earthlink.net). And if you’re willing and able, please reach into your wallet and help me support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation by giving what you can.
Chick Pipher’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
From June 4-10, 2006, I’m bicycling in AIDS/LifeCycle. It’s a 7-day, 585-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 the San Francisco AIDS Foundation by giving what you can. We’ll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.
Shivie Cook’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
Shivie Cook’s
AIDS/LifeCycle 2005 Blog
Because I dare to dream…
of a world where HIV and AIDS is a thing of the past. I remember the world before HIV and AIDS and I want to know it after. We have committed to riding 585 miles in seven days from San Francisco to Los Angeles until we are free of the AIDS pandemic. Each of us has committed to raising at least $2500 to benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.
Let’s get real…people are hurting. It’s that simple…we are raising money because people are hurting and we can help. By supporting me on this journey you have a chance to make a difference. AIDS LifeCycle is about more than just raising money – it does that and so much more. Last year we raised $7.2 million – 1600 riders, 400 roadies and a mobile camp. For seven days we were a community with a common cause. Of course in the months leading up to the ride we were fostering the concept of community during our weekly training rides. AIDS LifeCycle builds community and supports those in need. But they cannot do it alone. So I am committed to riding my bike and spending weekends in spandex putting in the miles but I cannot do it alone. I, we, need your help.
We must not let HIV and AIDS become comfortable in our future – we must fight the pandemic and together we WILL make a difference. Pledge online by credit card, mail in a check or have the donation split over 10 monthly payments – just DO IT – PLEASE…
And please feel free to pass this around to anyone in your circle that would be interested in supporting us on this ride for life…AND for every dollar you pledge we have an anonymous Angel who has pledged to match your donation dollar for dollar up to $2000 – so c’mon let’s make this a good year and I will keep you updated in my blog about the training…
And go ahead, join me in daring to dream of a world without HIV and AIDS.
one love
Shivie #1940
This liquid gold light we ride fantasies framed in blissful delight sanity sold out reality spurned dangers hidden reality spinning out of the cycle of needin’ and greedin’ forgiveness given hurtful deeds hunger driven slide down paling into the vast memory of Reality numbing the senses awakened by the light emanating blissful delight dare to dream or dream to dare the wonders, the mysteries
Mr. Rio Fonseca’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
It is time to stop and reflect to think on one question: what really keeps us from acting and doing more? I can think of a number of “good” reasons: work load, school work, personal life, this or that doesn’t affect me, lack of time in general, and of course money. I am sure you have yours too: some will be the same, some will be different, and they are all valid reasons. However, when I see one person, just one individual that can walk, breath, get services and medications, and have a better quality of life as a result of our efforts, all the “good and right” seem to pale and vanish by comparison. Look at the numbers: HIV/Aids is the leading cause of death worldwide. In the US, as of 2004, the CDC estimates that 415,193 people were living with AIDS. No one is exempt — the CDC estimated that 3,927 children were living with AIDS at the end of 2004. In San Francisco, for the same time period, 26,000 cumulative cases of Aids have been diagnosed. It is expected that approximately 1,000 will become infected in the next 12 months; over 200 in San Francisco County alone will die. In light of this, I will be acting by participating in the AidsLifecycle 5, from June 4-10, 2006. I am particularly excited this year — Team Brasil will have a large and strong contingent. In addition to The Dynamic couple Mary Elizabeth and Bob, I welcome the new members: Bill Taeusch, Tom Hellevig, Toni “yoga meister” Eason, Charles Piper, Jenni Rowley, and the return of Bob Whitney. Some of you may not know, but this is a cycling event where I will be riding 600 miles in 7 consecutive days, from SF to LA, to raise money and awareness for HIV/Aids related services. What’s keeping you from acting NOW? I CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP. Please consider making a fully deductible contribution. Last year we were able to break the $5,000 mark, so this year my personal goal is to raise $5,500. If all of you, loyal supporters, just add $10 to your past donation, we already have it. This is a huge commitment. When you pledge, be brave and step outside your level of comfort. As Pema Chodron says, “usually we think that brave people have no fear. The truth is that they are intimate with fear”. Acknowledge what is keeping you from acting now, consider all that it is involved, and be brave — do it in spite of it. Remember that countless individuals will be personally touched by your caring action. Thank you again for commitment and generosity to those in need. You continue to make a difference and I admire you for your genuine efforts.
With love,
Djalma Fonseca, RN Rider # 1195
Annabel Zammit’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
From June 4-10, 2006, I’m bicycling in AIDS/LifeCycle. It’s a 7-day, 585-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.
This will be the fourth time I have done the ride, and having had to stay home last year, I am very happy that I will be able to take part again. However, after a few months out of the saddle dealing with domestic stuff, my enthusiasm for getting up early on those relatively cool winter mornings to start the serious training has sapped away. This is when I remind myself what the whole endeavor is all about. I know I will enjoy the experience in the end and feel pleased to once again be in good shape, but what really makes me drag myself out for month after month when I really don’t feel like it, is knowing that I am helping raise incredible amounts of money that will make a huge difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. After five years of being involved in this ride and this cause, I just can’t stop right now.
Help me support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation by giving what you can. We’ll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.
Jens Meier’s
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
My 2nd Ride to End AIDS
From June 4-10, 2006, I’m bicycling in AIDS/LifeCycle. It’s a 7-day, 585-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 the San Francisco AIDS Foundation by giving what you can. We’ll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.
AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist – Nate Maton’s Blog
AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist – Nate Maton’s Homepage
After my senior year of high school, at the age of 18, I chose to move across the country from Washington D.C. to San Francisco and experiment with life. Through the encounters and experiences that I’ve had in the brief moment since then I am reminded of and feel grateful for how lucky I am to be healthy, able to choose my path and walk it. As I look around the world, I feel it’s all been a privilege that makes me want to give and share as I can.
So now, I sit writing to you with the intentions of assisting individuals who are in need of new solutions and continued support. I have chosen (along with 1,500 other cyclist) to partake in a 575 mile, 7 day, cycling event to benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation & The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center titled AIDS/LifeCycle.
Your support will fuel the good intentions of 1, 500 individuals as they bike 585 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles in one week. It will empower the bikers and help AIDS patients whose lives have been altered by bad luck or one reckless action.
It’s so tragic that one action can be irreparable. Yet, it’s a great action to help those who have just had a run of bad luck. For truthfully, how many of us can honestly say that we’ve never committed a reckless action? I feel lucky to be alive after some of the thoughtless choices I’ve made.
So take this moment and think about how good fortune comes about? Is good fortune only some random act or is there a component created by humans? I would say there is a component created by humans, as we’ve all experienced good fortune appearing from another human being’s generosity.
Well enough speculation. Today you have the opportunity to create that good fortune for individuals challenged by AIDS You may in fact create good fortune that will prevent another human being from contracting AIDS. This is your opportunity to create that good fortune by inspiring AIDS victims worldwide as they taste a glimpse of hope from seeing thousands of us ride. And this is also your opportunity to create good fortune by helping me empower myself through the difference that I am making.
Now if you feel that you could create a positive change by opening your pocket books or aiding my journey through gear/product sponsorships, please do so. If you feel guilty for not giving please don’t. We each have our own cause and we are all bombarded by solicitations which sound similar to mine. I don’t want to create any kind of pressure for you.
Gandhi once said that the success of any of his campaigns or actions was mathematically proportional to the purity of the commitment. With all of that in mind, I wish you a great day. And encourage you to support my intentions of promoting good fortune.
Tony Eason’s AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage
Sometimes we want to help others, but we are so overwhelmed by all that needs to be done in this world that we don’t know where to start. We hope that tomorrow or next week, when everything calms down, we will be able to become the actively compassionate human beings we know we can be. We put off goodness like we put off going on a diet.
On 01 January 1994, I realized that there was more to life than: guzzling an expensive bottle of Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, being the belle of the ball, speaking of what others need to work on, and/or sitting daily in the same pose. So, I bought a 10 year old, Bianchi Road Bike. And, I began a 6-month intense cycling training for a cycling event called the California AIDS Ride #2.
In May of 1994, I left San Francisco with $3.00 in my pocket, no idea of how I was going to return, a questionable bike, the fear of failure, and began to cycle (along with 1500 other cyclist) toward West Hollywood.
Seven days, 575 miles later, I arrived in West Hollywood. At which point, I realized it is possible to step outside of your normal routine. I realized it is possible to empower yourself while assisting others. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my ideas of creating a better world. And, I realized that miracles could occur (after all, I made it back home with $3.00 in my pocket) .
In June 2006, for my 9th Year, I will participate in an event to benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation called AIDS/Lifecycle #5. Over the years, I have personally raised over $35,000.00 to assist in research, and AIDS services for individuals in need.
Each year, I cycle 575 miles (from San Francisco to Los Angeles). Each year, I must raise a minimum of $2500.00 to participate. And each year, I complete the ride knowing I did the right thing.
I believe that World History is a reflection of the actions, thoughts, and words of Human Beings. Therefore, I have chosen to be a positive addition to Humanity. Thus, creating a better future for everyone.
If you would like to assist in: relieving the suffering of others; promoting AIDS research and treatment; empowering yourself; or encouraging AIDS education; then, ..do it!
“Giving of yourself” is a wonderful empowerment.
Associate Director of AIDS/Life Cycle, Stephen Cadby’s Homepage
My first day at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation was in the fall of 1996. I became a volunteer on the California AIDS Hotline. Two days a week I would answer calls from people who had fears. Fears that something they did might result in an HIV infection. Fears that someone they knew and loved might die from AIDS. And though the questions came in many forms they were all based around fears of not knowing what to do. They didnﾒt know how to proceed, or help, or in many cases, understand. While some would say that taking these calls takes a lot of courage, I would say that I believe I received more from the callers then I was most likely gave them. My journey that brought me to the hotline is like many others. I had been to too many memorial services. I had lost friends and loved ones to this disease. I was numb and I was grieving. Being able to use my counseling skills and in many cases just listen and console my callers I was also allowed to silently work through my own issues of feeling helpless. It was during this period that I discovered the AIDS Ride. The idea seemed ludicrous to me when I was first approached by someone who would become a mentor to me. But I prevailed and completed my first ride. It was hard—hard to train–hard to raise money. I canﾒt even count the days before the ride that I wanted to give up. But on those two days per week that I took calls, I quietly acknowledged that if I gave up on me then all the counseling I gave others not to give up, would make me a hypocrite. I realized after that year, that for me, I needed to do more. After my first ride my life was more focused. I realized what was important to me. I made the decision that I would leave the for-profit world and devote my life to helping to see an end to this pandemic. It took me another year and applying for different positions until I finally landed a job here at the Foundation. I continued to ride each year and when we took over production of the ride in 2001, I knocked on everyone’s door here at the Foundation to let them know I had to be part of the production. For me it continues to be an honor to part of the AIDS/LifeCycle staff.
I am asked on many occasions what creates our success. It’s simple, it’s our participants! Some people live there lives on the sidelines, others are not satisfied with watching life go by, they must be part of it, they must be able to effect change in themselves and those around them.
You will have many struggles in the months to come. You will achieve so much that the struggles will fade in your memory. The successes will propel you the rest of your life. You will learn that the success of physically enduring a 585 mile ride (a monumental task all its own) will be only one small part of your success. What you will discover through the months of training and during the 7 days of the event about yourself, will affect everything you do from that day forward. You are in for a journey of a lifetime, one that I believe will continue and impact every decision you make for your future.
I look forward to seeing you on the road. And on behalf of all the people we serve at the Foundation, I thank you. You are giving each of them MORE LIFE
