In August 2018 I will be riding about 400 miles in 5 days to rasie money for Trillium Health.  This is my fifth consecutive AIDS Red Ribbon Ride and I can't wait to get on the road!   As much fun as the ride is, it's also a lot of hard miles over consecutive days, so it's very challenging.  I ride to remember the people I have lost to AIDS and for all of those who are fighting for their survival.  Please consider making a donation today.  

Here is why I ride:

As many of you know, my first wife, Cindi, died of AIDS-related complications in January 1996 at age 28.  Cindi was diagnosed with AIDS when she was pregnant with our son, Elijah.  The doctors told her that she may not survive long enough to give birth, but Cindi, being the fighter she was, lived for over 3 years after Elijah was born.  Elijah is now 25 years old and is doing well.  Thankfully Elijah is HIV negative.  

I will always be grateful for the people who supported me through Cindi's illness and death, some of whom were also HIV positive.  During the years after Cindi was diagnosed, I got to know many wonderful people with HIV, and, sadly, attended many funerals.  HIV/AIDS care then was not what it is now.  HIV is now treated more like a chronic disease and is much better managed through medication and other forms of care.

This year I am taking up the challenge to ride 400 miles over 5 days to benefit Trillium Health, formerly AIDS Care.  I would be honored if you made a donation, in honor of Cindi or anyone you know who is affected by this disease, to support me on the ride. Your gift will be put to immediate use for the patients and clients of Trillium Health.

Trillium Health delivers comprehensive primary care in a community-based setting, combining medical, care management, and community-based services under one roof to provide a seamless experience for individuals seeking a personalized health care experience. The organization’s one-stop model of care has earned it a preeminent role as a center of excellence for HIV/AIDS care. That model of care is now being extended to other individuals and populations with unmet health care needs. Trillium Health’s goal is to provide personalized, affirming care to everyone who walks through the doors.

Check out the AIDS Red Ribbon Ride website to find out more about the route, our amazing sponsors, and most importantly, the beneficiary organization, Trillium Health, and everyone they serve.

To easily make a donation online, click on the “Donate” button. If you prefer, you can mail a check to Trillium Health at 259 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: Development Department. Please indicate the rider’s name (that’s me!) on the check.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone you think might want to donate, too!