The holidays are upon us ...

and we still continue to cycle in the cold! We hope in the near future that our efforts bring us to the day where  HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past. But it ain't and that's why you'll see many others, including me ...

• raise awareness
• fund resources 
• help the needy
• bring love and cheer to the community

Since the AIDS/LifeCycle 2016 ride ended June 11, we rested. Very soon after some said the heck with resting. I've been a bit quiet with what I've been doing in fighting HIV/AIDS and that's because I lied. Yes, I lied about 2016 being the year when I take a break from fundraising and riding. With the generous help of friends and family we have been the top 10 fundraisers in Northern California since I started riding for AIDS/LifeCycle 2014 and happily top 10 overall for 2014 and 2016.

So why the LIE? Well, you can agree that my lie is the kinda lie that is sorta, kinda okay. Honestly, I was planning to take a much needed break of asking you year-after-year to donate to the cause. I broke my promise only a few days after the ride. Many in the AIDS/LifeCycle community couldn't believe that I was taking a hiatus. I was one of the biggest cheerleaders and energetic supporters for new and returning riders. I came back because ...

• my cyclist rep asked me to reconsider (back me up on this one, Ken)
• WE raised $115,617 in the last three years
• most importantly, HIV/AIDS is still here and we CAN do something about ending it

Marti Nemer, has been the first to generously donate each year being in the Top 10 Fundraisers on behalf of my participation. I promise (and this is not a lie) to post the Top 10 for my last three years in January when I'll start, once again, asking my loved ones for their help.

The most recent event, besides training on weekends, was the AIDS/LifeCycle Holiday party. 

Melissa Lewis, Director of AIDS/LifeCycle, mentioned our participation in the Ride is what will make the world a better, brighter and stronger place.

Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation spoke to the many successes we helped the Foundation accomplish this past year.

I wanted to share them with you - we are making a difference.

1.   Our syringe access program expanded its work at our 6th Street harm reduction center from 2 days per week to 6, and now incorporates hepatitis C testing and linkage to care.

2.   Our Stonewall substance health program provided mental health and substance treatment services to 800 clients each year.

3.   Our mobile testing unit helped the foundation provide 10,000 HIV tests this past year.

4.   Our PrEP program has 1,500 patients enrolled and Bridgemen recently reached 2,000 members. 

Those four points only scratch the surface. Thank you for making an impact in reducing HIV transmission rates, and ending stigma by being a part of AIDS/LifeCycle.

Here is a link of Bob Katz's Photos and a few of mine