Sean Ray's
On the road again...I'm going back for more!! From June 1 - 7, 2008, I will once again be making the trek from San Francisco to Los Angeles for AIDS/LifeCycle 7. This will be my 4th time riding from San Francisco to Los Angeles!! The funds raised by this 545-mile bike ride will help to benefit the programs and services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center. I hope you will join me in this journey by becoming one of my sponsors. Thanks to the AMAZING support I have received over the years, I have personally been able to raise over $33,000 (over $10,000 for CAR8; over $11,000 for ALC1; and over $12,000 for ALC6!!). You don’t know what it meant last year to rejoin this event, after a 5 year absence. Everyone was so welcoming, encouraging, supportive…It was truly the most amazing way to come back. My sister Sue was one of the fabulous Roadies, and having her there made it even more special. I realized how lucky I am to have a sister like her – someone who supports me and loves me unconditionally. A lot of people do not have that. A lot of people living with HIV have faced rejection from family, friends, employers…And although great strides have been made over the years in treatment and services, there is still much work to do, and many people to try to enlighten. One experience in particular has stayed in my mind from ALC6. While riding through one of the small towns, a group of very young school kids and their teachers were out to greet us. They were cheering and smiling – they had even made small gifts for us from pipe cleaners (mine remains on my bike). The kids were fascinated by my helmet (I had tied multi-colored zip ties all over the top). They asked questions, smiled, shook my hand, and handed me toys. As I rode off, very touched by their showing of support, I couldn’t help but think about the time they would each start to learn what HIV and AIDS really is all about. I hoped they would be surrounded by families and loved ones who would fill them with compassion and knowledge, as opposed to ignorance and fear. Kids today DO have the chance to learn about this disease in a positive manner – unlike the way many of those in my generation learned. I am committed to keep riding until HIV and AIDS is something which is not feared, hated, or joked about. SO, that is why I am riding. I don't want the kids in my life, or their kids, growing up in fear of what it means to be living with HIV. I want to put a face on this disease and make it easier for them, and for others, to understand. I lost too many friends to this disease over the years, and I never want others to experience that pain. I do believe that the only way we can change the way people think of HIV and AIDS is by doing everything we possibly can to spread awareness and help those in need. I hope you feel the same. As Always, Sean Ray Cyclist #1103 AIDS/LifeCycle 7 www.aidslifecycle.org/1103 www.pospeds.org And a BIG thank you to my sponsors for AIDS/LifeCycle 7 so far! -
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Me & my sister Sue, after closing ceremonies at ALC6!
Sean's Goal: $5,000.00
Current Total: $3,075.00 |
Sean's LinksSan Francisco AIDS Foundation
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
Positive Pedalers We are dedicated to expanding and enhancing public awareness of HIV and AIDS and empowering HIV-positive people to live more meaningful and dignified lives.
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