By Olivia Wynkoop. Bay City News.
A weeklong bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles raised $11.7 million for HIV/AIDS organizations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, organizers of AIDS/LifeCycle announced.
On Sunday morning, more than 2,000 participants set out from Cow Palace on a 7-day, 545-mile trip to Los Angeles to support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
As the world's largest fundraising event for HIV/AIDS services, AIDS/LifeCycle aims to fund services and testing and remind others that the HIV epidemic is still ongoing. Organizers estimate that more than 650 people in the United States will become infected with HIV during the week.
“After more than 40 years, the fight to end this epidemic continues,” said Joe Hollendoner, executive director of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
“The contributions of thousands of people who are part of the AIDS/LifeCycle community – riders, roadies, staff and donors – provide the resources needed to continue this fight. Donations, through hard work and determination, support medical and social care services for people living with HIV and make it possible to offer prevention tools, such as PrEP, to those most at risk of becoming infected. I am so proud to be part of this community that continues to fight every day to end this epidemic,” she added.
The organization has raised more than $300 million since its debut in 1994.
“The funds raised by AIDS/LifeCycle support the many lifesaving services we provide free of charge to the community,” said Tyler TerMeer, PhD, executive director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and a 12-time AIDS/LifeCycle participant.
“The epidemic has been ongoing for over 40 years, and it is far from over. Each year, this event helps us get closer to a time when we reach zero new HIV infections, when all people living with HIV are fully supported with health and wellness services, and when people at risk of contracting HIV have the tools and information they need to prevent HIV,” she stressed.
You may be interested in: Cyclists will demand protected bike lanes in San Francisco
