Novice Cyclist Series: HIV/AIDS...Everyone has a story... here is mine

I went to my first AIDS Life Cycle (ALC) meeting a couple weeks ago and the first thing they tell you in the "art of fundraising" is tell your story. It sparked the following questions: of all the rides, races, and adventures out there why have I decided to do the AIDS Lifecyle Ride, a 545 mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles over the course of 7 days? Why has a novice rider like myself decided to embark on such a journey? Normally my answer would be "why not" But in this case that answer does not do this cause justice. Here is my story.

But first, if you want to skip the details and get to the point, then you are probably reading this because I have asked for your support in helping me achieve my fundraising goal of $5,000 which will be donated to the SF AIDS Foundation. I am asking for a kind donation of $50, however any and all amounts will be accepted and appreciated! Thank you in advance for your support.

Visit: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/ibike



Read on for my story...

My reasons and story go back about 10 years and ironically enough this is the ALC's 10 years anniversary and, being a believer in signs, this was one that came across loud and clear...it's time.. It's time to do this! I don't personally know anyone that is living with HIV/AIDS nor do I know anyone that has died from HIV/AIDS but I do know that I have a strong, unexplainable passion for this cause. 10 years ago, as a biological science student at UC Davis I had to pick an emphasis, not knowing exactly what that was going to be I took the advice of a fellow student and picked a subject that would change the course of my life, Genetics. No, I didn't go on to discover the genome map (I wish!), but I did learn about HIV/AIDS research and the work that was being done with Simians (chimps) to better understand the disease. My curiosity led me to an internship in Washington D.C. at an organization called Advocates for Youth working to promote education around preventing HIV/AIDS amongst young people by young people. I met and connected with amazing people living with HIV/AIDS and advocating to help others. The opportunity led me to become a founding member of the Young Women of Color Leadership Council where I realized how HIV/AIDS is closer to me than I ever thought. The disease does not discriminate across colors or borders.

My life journey continued and led me to grad school in public health at USC (Go Trojans!) where I expanded my focus to include all health conditions but continued work with HIV/AIDS through research and education. During my final internship I met a girl who had signed up to do the ALC ride, it was the first I heard of it and immediately I knew I wanted to do it? one day. My experience with HIV/AIDS expanded during a volunteering trip to India. I realized the country of my origin is also home to the third largest HIV/AIDS population, where over 2 million individuals are living with the disease.

I worked as a health educator in one of the many Mumbai slum communities and came across women and children who were unknowingly infected, and young adults who were shunned from society because of their condition. Adding to the rising rates of HIV/AIDS, was the cultural stigmas associated with sexual health education sheltering many from important resources and making them at risk. We have made some strides since then, I was thrilled to watch the first ever Bollywood movie, Phir Milenge, highlighting the issue. if you haven't seen it, it's worth a viewing. Since then my journey has continued and my passion to empower people through health education has grown.

Fact:

In 2009 About 2 million adults were newly infected with HIV/AIDS

Fact:

In 2009 women accounted for just over half of all adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide

Fact:

People of color are infected at disproportionate rates

Fact:

One person CAN change the world!

So here I am taking on this challenge to go from a novice rider to ALC rider and support a cause that impacts everyone, everywhere. There are no coincidences, everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that is true for me and my involvement with HIV/AIDS awareness.

I am excited to finally fulfill a goal I set 10 years ago and in the process support millions of people across the world, who are living with HIV/AIDS.

I have set a goal to raise $5,0000 dollars that will go towards the SF AIDS Foundation. I am asking for your support to help me meet this goal. So take a moment, a deep breath, and if you feel compelled to please donate whatever you can. The suggested donation is $50 but every penny counts.
To donate visit: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/ibike



The journey continues....
Thank you for listening.

Ritu Riyat

First time ALC Rider