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The 11th annual AIDS/LifeCycle is fast approaching! From June 3 to June 9, 2,500 cyclists will ride their bicycles from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS services at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
SheWired has compiled some inspirational tales from women who are heading out on the open road with nothing but a metal frame and two wheels to get them from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Here is Debi Farber Bush:
Those who haven't seen me in a while probably wont believe this but from June 3-9, 2012, I'm bicycling in a 545-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that will make a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS!
Now, I have NEVER done anything this physical in my entire life and am a bit nervous about taking on this challenge but I'm passionate about the cause and want to make a difference in the lives of folks living with HIV/AIDS. A few years ago (on a lark) I entered a fit challenge that changed my life. I have since committed myself to a new, healthy lifestyle, which has resulted in me losing half my body weight.
I have faced many obstacles along my journey to better health but my challenges are a walk in the park compared to what those living with HIV/AIDS have endured. As if the threat of death wasn't enough, the disease also brought prejudice, ignorance and fear. Just like with me, a lot of progress has been made, but there is still much to be done. For the time being, we have medicines to control the disease, but we have not found a cure and I will NEVER forget my friends who lost their lives to HIV related illness, for they are my motivation and inspiration to ride!
My goal is to raise $5,000 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation – a hefty amount indeed but with YOUR help AND MONEY I know that my goal will be achieved. For many years I had visions of being a part of the ride but my weight kept me from participating. I have no excuse now. I'm up for the challenge and have committed to a rigorous training regimen in order to be able to do it. I'm learning how to push myself physically and mentally in a way I never thought possible.
So while I dig down into myself to find strength and endurance, I'm asking YOU, my friends, family, and colleagues to dig down deep in your pockets and donate money to this very important cause. Alone I can't make a difference but with your HELP we can and WILL make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
