Life Cycle 2013 Rider David Hoey
I would have never asked to be HIV+, but I believe that in all things, there is a purpose and I stand here today proud. The reality of HIV and AIDS is, a terrible reality in which 34 million have died. Despite all the amazing scientific advances, bold innovations and government funding, the fact is HIV was, is and continues to be a worldwide epidemic.
HIV does not discriminate, it affects all races, gay and straight, young and old alike, yet the result of HIV in our communities and society holds so much fear that the knowledge often results in discrimination from those that we thought we closest to us. Our families, friends and loved ones. Although I enjoy the love and support of an amazing family, I am one of the lucky ones while so many others find this disease to be lonely, frightening, and deadly. These individuals live every day and face that rejection and fear every moment.
I was one of those very people, so when I was approached and asked if I would agree to tell my story, my first call was to my family to let them know about it and to make sure they were comfortable with me "coming out" to everyone friends and strangers alike. My mom did not skip a breath before she said "if you can do this and it helps just one family deal with this disease better and it gives just one person or family hope then you have to do it".
Not everyone has been so blessed. They dare not whisper that are HIV+ to friends or in the workplace, yet they too have lost loved ones, weep silently, and grieve alone. For those people I am here to say you do not have to be alone and you do not have to feel shame.
We as a community of people must become more educated about HIV, we can not allow people to hide in shame and feel such fear of rejection. Because the end result is almost always certain death.
Today I stand proud and I stand tall. Yes I am HIV+ but because of the love of family and friends like David Hoey and the help of an amazing HIV health facility I am here today. I feel free of fear and free of shame and I hope that if I can help anyone feel the same, or anyone understand more then that is a start.
Please stand with me in my support of David Hoey and all the Life Cycle 2013 riders. Your donation can be made directly to David's Life Cycle page at https://actnow.tofighthiv.org/site/Donation2?idb=1820978265&df_id=4065&FR_ID=1550&PROXY_ID=2705209&PROXY_TYPE=20&4065.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=upteiild35.app205b
We will also be having a number of special fundraising events and be raffling off some amazing special event weekends. Raffle tickets will be available for $5.00 each or get 5 tickets for $20 by attending any one of the fundraising events we will be holding in Palm Springs. We will also allow raffle tickets to be purchased online for the same price.
HIV does not discriminate, it affects all races, gay and straight, young and old alike, yet the result of HIV in our communities and society holds so much fear that the knowledge often results in discrimination from those that we thought we closest to us. Our families, friends and loved ones. Although I enjoy the love and support of an amazing family, I am one of the lucky ones while so many others find this disease to be lonely, frightening, and deadly. These individuals live every day and face that rejection and fear every moment.
I was one of those very people, so when I was approached and asked if I would agree to tell my story, my first call was to my family to let them know about it and to make sure they were comfortable with me "coming out" to everyone friends and strangers alike. My mom did not skip a breath before she said "if you can do this and it helps just one family deal with this disease better and it gives just one person or family hope then you have to do it".
Not everyone has been so blessed. They dare not whisper that are HIV+ to friends or in the workplace, yet they too have lost loved ones, weep silently, and grieve alone. For those people I am here to say you do not have to be alone and you do not have to feel shame.
We as a community of people must become more educated about HIV, we can not allow people to hide in shame and feel such fear of rejection. Because the end result is almost always certain death.
Today I stand proud and I stand tall. Yes I am HIV+ but because of the love of family and friends like David Hoey and the help of an amazing HIV health facility I am here today. I feel free of fear and free of shame and I hope that if I can help anyone feel the same, or anyone understand more then that is a start.
Please stand with me in my support of David Hoey and all the Life Cycle 2013 riders. Your donation can be made directly to David's Life Cycle page at https://actnow.tofighthiv.org/site/Donation2?idb=1820978265&df_id=4065&FR_ID=1550&PROXY_ID=2705209&PROXY_TYPE=20&4065.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=upteiild35.app205b
We will also be having a number of special fundraising events and be raffling off some amazing special event weekends. Raffle tickets will be available for $5.00 each or get 5 tickets for $20 by attending any one of the fundraising events we will be holding in Palm Springs. We will also allow raffle tickets to be purchased online for the same price.