Our AIDS/LifeCycle staff consists of supportive individuals dedicated to the mission and supporting our participants as they prepare for the Ride. Whether you need a little motivation, help with fundraising, some inspiration, or have questions about the experience, our team will help you achieve your goals. We’d like to occasionally share their stories. This week, we’d like to introduce our Southern California Cyclist Rep Manager, Jacob Ittycheria:
“This past weekend I was honored with the first-ever “inspiration award” at the Recovery Ride in San Diego. It was their 4th annual fundraising bike ride which benefits Stepping Stone of San Diego and other local agencies. Stepping Stone is an inpatient/outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center. In October of 2009, I entered Stepping Stone at 3-months of sobriety after battling an alcohol addiction. I had attempted suicide and then was living in a homeless shelter. So really … Stepping Stone was my last hope!
Throughout these nine years of sobriety, I’ve always been active in the sober community both in San Diego and now in Los Angeles. My love of cycling came to fruition when I did my 1st AIDS/LifeCycle in 2014. Since then, I’ve become a cyclist rep and currently the Cyclist Rep Manager in Southern California.
I believe we are all on a journey. And cycling has helped me find a higher purpose. A former Jersey boy who lives in Los Angeles and this August (God willing), I get to celebrate 10-years without a drink or drug. This June will be my favorite time of the year because I GET to see, hug and cheer on all my AIDS/LifeCycle participants who done so much for the world. And to be honest, they have each helped me more than they’ll ever know.”