Why I Ride - A Reminder

Belva,

I would like to thank you for the beautiful song you sent the group this morning. I was very touched and felt well accepted. I want to thank you for so many things, but most of all for hearing a call that is coming from deep down inside of you to help those who are without hope. When you ride, you are a beacon of hope, which lets us know a cure is coming. You know people with HIV/AIDS and there are people you haven't met yet. Regardless, you ride with conviction and it is truly inspiring. You are my hero. All of you that ride are my heroes.

Before I moved to Georgia, I lived in Arizona, and to find assistance for my meds was disheartening. I applied for the ADAP program, which will allow you to receive HIVmeds free, but I was turned down every time I applied. My counts started pl

ummeting, but just like you Belva, I kept showing up. I refused to let people determine that I was a nobody and my life was not worth it. I knew I was worth it, so I kept showing up. I lasted 3 years before they decided I wasn't going anywhere quick, so they gave me meds. When they finally decided to give me the meds, my counts were 10. Thank God, I have never suffered a heart attack or stroke. After the medicine began to work, and my counts started moving up, I moved to Georgia shortly after that, and for me, there was no waiting period. I am happy to say I am way above normal counts and finally living. I have been so inspired by everyone that rides, I have purchased a Fuji Newest 4.0 Road Bike, and I have lost 5 lbs since I have started riding it. My goal is to be 170lbs, or lower, by the time I ride next year in the AV200!

I want to give you a song from my Mexican heritage. We sing this song to each other on our birthdays, but we also use it for anniversaries, funerals, or to congratulate someone on an accomplishment. This song is for you, Belva, and the many others who have ridden their bikes to help us find a cure. You have accomplished a lot this year, and I hope you know how special you are to everyone. Every time we read your blog on where you were on biking, we felt like we were hearing it on the radio in the 1930's. We were anxiously waiting every update, and we celebrated when you crossed the finish line. Y'all are amazing. The song is called " Las Mañanitas" and I found one with the English lyrics on it as well. Thank you for all you do for everyone, Belva. I will write more later.

Ray
http://youtu.be/BL_cDdLwV9c
Ray