As a person who first realized I was gay in the mid-80s, I have never known a time as a gay man without AIDS. I grew up in the shadow of AIDS and it has impacted so much in my life. My first job after graduate school was as the HIV/AIDS Social Worker at Illinois Masonic Medical Center where I paid witness to the deaths of hundreds of men and women over a period of 4 years, but also witnessed unparalleled courage, compassion and reslilience. Often times, people asked me how I was able to do that work. My answer was always the same - because I believe there will be a cure and that it is our job to help everyone we can to live long enough and well enough to see that day arrive. Now more than two decades later, I still believe we will find a cure for HIV/AIDS, and that it is still our job to help those impacted to live long enough and well-enough to see that day. That is why I am doing the Ride for AIDS Chicago again this year and why I am asking for your help. Together, we can help those impacted by AIDS see a day when we no longer have to live in its shadow.

It's my goal to raise $1,500 to help support those with HIV/AIDS this year. Any amount you can contribute is appreciated.

Appreciatively,

Chris Haen