For the second year, the Newport Beach personal injury law firm of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is sponsoring Loree Glenn, Orange County mother of two, for the AIDS/ LifeCycle, the “ride to end AIDS.” What is this ride about? It is a seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, which raised money and awareness for the HIV and AIDS services of the L.A Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. This year’s event marks the ninth year for the AIDS/LifeCycle and the 17th overall, and will take place June 6-12.
Riding with a Purpose
The purpose of the ride is not only to raise money for AIDS research and treatment, but also to raise awareness in our local communities. The important message the group wants to get out is that the fight against AIDS is not over. Of course, medications have a come a long way and people are living longer and healthier lives. Agencies such as the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center are extremely important because they continue to provide the critical services and the educational component needed to meet the community’s needs. In this tough economic climate, these agencies need funding and monetary support more than ever.
Staggering Statistics
Let’s consider some numbers here. In California alone, 151,000 people live with HIV. In the United States, 70 percent of all new infections occur in communities of color and affect people under the age of 25. It costs about $20,000 annually for the medical care and treatment of a person with HIV. AIDS/LifeCycle aims to help those living with HIV/AIDS gain greater independence and get the treatment and care they desperately need.
Motivated for a Good Cause
Also, the agencies’ prevention services targeted at high-risk populations will ensure that future generations will not experience the same level of tragedy and loss that we have faced as a result of HIV/AIDS over the last two decades. AIDS/LifeCycle is the only AIDS fundraising bicycle event in California organized by the non-profit agencies that will benefit from the money raised by its participants.
We commend Loree Glenn for taking on this adventure for the third consecutive year. Loree, we are here to support you and encourage you as you embark on this wonderful purposeful journey. We also encourage anyone who might be interested to participate in this bike ride. If you are interested in donating or sponsorships, please contact Kevin Glenn at kevinglenn@cox.net. For more information about the AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride, please visit their website at www.aidslifecycle.org.