J.R. Billings'
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage

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Helping You, Helps Me.

My first AIDS/LifeCycle was ALC 5. I signed up for the ride knowing only that I was taking on an adventure with some close friends and doing something for my community in the process. Little did I know this ride would serve a much needed purpose in my life. Shortly after, at age 26, I tested positive for HIV. The ride immediately took on a new direction and meaning. I wasn't just taking on an adventure with some friends, but on an adventure into what the future now held for me. I wasn't just doing something for my community, but something I desperately needed for myself. The therapeutic aspect of the event, and the strength gained from it was more than I could ever hope for.

It not only gave me a positive outlook on my diagnosis, but also changed what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to do something that’s purpose was not making money, but using it to help people do amazing things they always wanted to do, but would normally not be able too, or who didn't believe they ever could do. I spent the next few years continuing my part time education and looking for a job I would be perfect for. When the position came available for a Cycle Buddy with AIDS/LifeCycle, I couldn't pass it up. As a cyclist, I got to train, fundraise, and educate, and in that process make a difference in not only myself, but the people I came in contact with. As a Cycle Buddy, I get to assist close to 500 people in doing the samething. That is an amazing feeling and I am eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so.

And now quick public service announcement!

Day 0 ALC 6

J.R.'s Goal: $10,000.00

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Messages of Support for J.R.

athan (6/03/08 3:10PM): hey there roadie !! just wanted to say hey and thank you for all you're doing !! it means a lot to me and i'm sure you and countless others. i am so contemplating doing it next year, either roadie or rider (leaning more towards roadie, dont think my outta shape butt will ever be able to do the ride).

anyway, thanks again and keep kicking ass !!

xoxo athan

athan (6/02/08 12:20PM): hey there roadie !!! Hope its going well !! 2 days down 5 to go !! Ur amazing for ur continued support n dedication. I wish I had half ur spirit !! I'm sure the cyclists n roadies appreciate what u do, i do. Thank u !

pedro (5/16/08 9:29AM): Love Muffin,

Thanx for everything! See you around in 15 days

pedro

Dhiraj (5/15/08 4:07PM): Hi J.R,

Thanks for all the help Cycle buddy. All the best with your fundraising. See you there at ALC.

David Tily (4/07/08 2:25PM): As always you prove to be an inspiration to everyone you come into contact with. Your dedication to putting an end to this global problem is only matched by your enthusiam for life. I will be thinking of you climbing those hills and truly appreciate your efforts. Thanks & Good Luck - See you on the finish line Stud!! Big Hugs Dave XX

athan (4/07/08 10:36AM): j.r. ur an inspiration. Good luck with ur fundraising and the ride!

Annette (3/14/08 3:53PM): Hey J.R., I'm Annette, rider 1260 from San Francisco. We haven't met but I wanted to thank you for being a Cycle Buddy. I ride for my brother, Chris, who passed away from AIDS, so I appreciate all the hard work you are doing as well to help put an end to HIV/AIDS. I can hardly wait until all 2500 of us roll into LA. Ride strong and good luck. Annette

Tripp Reed (3/08/08 10:56AM): So I guess so can't book us in the hotel this year. Seriously though, got any good recommendations. I'm the guy who's friends w/ Emily from SFAF. Glad to see you doing well and enjoying your work life although I'm sure it's crazy. My partner, Michael (hopefully a Roadie this year), and I are both PosPeds. No you can't sleep w/ me again you had your turn and I need to save my energy for the others:) I hope you appreciate my humor. Positively yours, tr

Little Mary Zeiser (3/04/08 8:26PM): KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! You have been my hero and mentor in this whole endevor, JR. :)

Alisa Van Dissen (1/30/08 4:02PM): JR, my buddy!

What would I do without you? I have a feeling we are going to have a lot of contact over the next few months, and hopefully longer. Your story is inspiring. I am riding for many reasons...I am riding to challenge myself, I am riding to make a difference in the lives of others, I am riding to raise $$ for much needed services, I am riding to have fun AND I am riding for YOU!

Thanks for everything!

Love, Alisa

Jennine McFarlane (1/29/08 12:31PM): J.R.!!! Hi cycle buddy! Thank you for all your help so far ;) Here is to a great ride!

Jennine

J.R.'s Links

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, a leader in battling AIDS and caring for those who are HIV-infected since the earliest days of the pandemic, provides free medical care to those who can't afford treatment and distributed more than $21 million worth of free HIV medications last year. The Center also provides one-on-one and group therapy, mobile testing/counseling, education, advocacy, and prevention services. Each month 700-1,000 people are tested for HIV at the Center.

Positive Pedalers
We are a group of people living with HIV/AIDS eliminating stigma through our positive public example

Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2007
Get a taste of last year's event, with participant blogs, audio podcasts, and hundreds of photos.

866.245.3424 • 415.581.7077 • 323.993.7483 • info@aidslifecycle.org • Privacy policy

J.R. Billings'AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage

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Helping You, Helps Me.

Messages of Support for J.R.

J.R.'s Links

J.R. Billings'
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage