As with so many aspects of our lives in 2020, health concerns have led to a modified format for the 2020 Ride for Life Chicago. To ensure that all participants remain safe and healthy, the Ride is going virtual this year. Instead of riding 200 miles in two days, we will each commit to riding with purpose this summer individually. Here is my goal: complete 10 individual 100 mile ("century") rides by Labor Day of 2020. That is approximately one century per week for the rest of the summer!

I'm participating in this event to raise vital funds to support HIV services in the community. In addition, through my participation, and with your support we will continue to raise awareness around HIV in an effort to reduce the debilitating effects of shame and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.  With the political climate we face today, funding and other support for HIV/AIDS continues to see cuts. The funds raised by the Ride for AIDS for TPAN's services are more critical now than ever before. I realize that many people who might support me have been hurt by the financial crisis that has marked the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are unable to donate this year, I understand. If you are able to donate, I appreciate any amount that you can contribute.

Preparing for this Ride is nothing compared to what people living with HIV go through on a daily basis.  We are the fortunate ones who are able to share two beautiful days of riding together, sharing moments of joy, moments of poignancy, and memories of friends no longer with us.

Thank you for your support. Please consider a donation to either my personal effort or to my team's joint effort.