It is an honor to write our first official “Community Partner Spotlight” about an amazing organization/event. I have had the pleasure of participating in the AIDS/Lifecycle bike ride three times and can honestly say that it has been one of the most life changing experiences of my life. The first time I participated in this ride I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew that I got to ride my bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles and that I was going to raise money for a worthwhile cause. At the time I had little connection to the community and little/no understanding of the day-to-day struggles of those living with HIV/AIDS. Once I experienced this event, met the community ad it supports I realized that I was in some small way a part of the effort to help the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. Four years later, I am in a position to give a little bit back by helping participants enjoy their ride a little more. We are offering a 50% discount of preventative bike fitting for this year’s participants. I know that preventing achy knees is not going to solve the world’s problems, but if it allows a few people to have a meaningful experience (and not spend a week in the med tent) then I am happy to help. Here is some information about this ride and the organizations and people it supports.
AIDS/LifeCycle is co-produced by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and is designed to advance their shared interests to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS.
The goals of AIDS/LifeCycle are to:
- Raise funds to support the HIV/AIDS services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation;
- Increase awareness and knowledge about the services and programs offered by the benefiting organizations;
- Increase awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors and the general public;
- Increase AIDS activism and volunteerism among the participant and donor communities, inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against AIDS;
- Provide a positive, life-affirming experience for people affected and infected by HIV;
- Contribute to an increased understanding of the disproportionate impact HIV has had on the GLBT communities in SF and LA;
- Encourage an environment of dignity and improved quality of life for those affected by HIV and AIDS.
To learn more about the ride please visit: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/
Maximal respect,
Andrew Eisen DPT