Well, I think this is my 13th or 14th Ride for Life(aka, Ride for AIDS, aka, The Ride).  There are so many great reasons to support TPAN.  There was the time, when I first started with them, that we had a spinning class at Cheetah, and we were all talking about why we joined the ride.  This guy stands up and says "I actually didn't know this was training for the ride, but just walked in for a spin class, but the group you are raising money for (TPAN), literally saved my life a few years ago."  Then proceeds to tell us this heart string tugging story about how he was homeless, with HIV/AIDS, thinking he was going to die, and TPAN changed everything for him.  We were all in tears, on spin bikes, in gym clothes.  Quite a sight I'm sure.  Another reason this ride is near and dear to my heart is the support my mom always gave me.  Charity has always been a very important thing to us growing up, so my mom was very proud I had chosen to take this on.   I've met so many incredibly amazing people through this ride, many of which have similar stories of the help they got from TPAN.

The money raised helps TPAN and community partners provide housing, healthcare, and mental health services to thousands of Chicagoans. By helping people get housing, food, healthcare, and affordable medications, TPAN tackles health equity problems every day.

Because of these reasons (and more!) I hope I can count on your support this year. And not just for me, but for the people TPAN helps.

Ps, I'll riding my bike for some ridiculous amount of time to earn your donations as usual.  

The other option is to join me!  Come ride bikes and raise money with me!