Still a Long Ways to Go

Why is it important to keep talking, to keep riding, to keep funding and to keep supporting the cause? Here's a portion from the words of an AIDS LifeCycle writer. We still have a LONG ways to go!!

From "The Ribbon On His Shoulder: Perceptions on AIDS in America Today"
By: Dale Cooper

"More than 30 years into the epidemic, one-third of Americans (34%) still harbor at least one misconception about HIV transmission:

- 1 in 4 people do not know that HIV cannot be transmitted through sharing a drinking glass.
- 16% of people think touching a toilet seat can spread HIV.
- 12% of people think swimming in a pool with someone who is HIV positive could infect them with the virus.

All those perceptions are remnants of an AIDS stigma, spurred by misinformation and phobia, that continue to exert a powerful sway over the American public. People who harbor these misconceptions about HIV transmission are more likely to say they would be uncomfortable working with someone with HIV: 43%, compared with 13% of those who know that HIV cannot be transmitted in these ways.

Additionally:
- Almost half (47%) do not know that a pregnant woman with HIV can take drugs to reduce the risk of her baby being born infected.
- About one in five (19%) are unaware that there is no cure for AIDS.
- 12% do not know that there are drug treatment options that can lengthen the lives of people with HIV.
- About a quarter mistakenly believe (or are unsure whether) Magic Johnson has been cured of AIDS (27%).
- 1 in 10 believe that there is currently a vaccine available to keep people from becoming infected."

Source for statistics:
Kaiser Family Foundation, "2011 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS: Summary of Findings on the Domestic Epidemic." Published April 2011.

To read the full story: http://experience.aidslifecycle.org/story/dale-cooper/ribbon-his-shoulder-perceptions-aids-america-today

I Care Because . . .

This has been a fun week of training with a few scheduled set-backs from more gum surgery. A few things I learned last year: (1) don't carry more up the hills than you really need. Thus, my weight loss is now at 3.6 pounds. (2) after the first 45 miles, you better have good strength training in your back pocket. Thus, I've upped the amount of weight training this year and work with my personal trainer once a week. (3) You better know why you care about this cause to meet the endurance requirements on the mind.

I described in my AV200 rider spotlight that I do these rides because: First, I believe that an AIDS vaccine is the only way to truly end this epidemic. Second, I believe that I am called to care for people currently dealing with the challenges HIV/AIDS and I personally love and know many of them. Third, I believe that stigma is flat-out wrong. Fourth, the stories of HIV/AIDS victims move me and I want the world to know how special they are/were.

I was struck by the picture below (found somewhere on the web) and wondered how you would answer this question. If you were standing along the ride route cheering on the riders (which you are by reading this!), what would your sign say? Give me some images to take into my training . . . I'd love to hear why you care about this cause. And yes, if all you can come up with relates to spandex and colorful jerseys, I'll take it - but I bet we have more!!!

 

Giants - They Do Fall

Every once in a while, I hear a story about group courage that amazes me. This is one. You may ask, "why does this belong in a blog focused on AIDS?" Well, to me, the church has the potential to be a healing force in the war on AIDS. In fighting stigma, when a church steps out and says "we will love you no matter what", we should find that more people have the courage to be tested and that HIV medications are worth taking. Churches can form a community and another source of connection - which, in turn, encourages many to take care of themselves because they feel valued. Churches can also do the opposite and unfortunately have from the many stories I have heard from people in my journey. There is a growing number of reconciling communities in the Methodist church (my Saint Mark is one) but when one arises from a conservative base and had to deal with a force of of hate from within, I consider them special and they have earned a place in my heart. While it is sad that being "loving" has to be hard, it is worth every step to get there. Congratulations and thank you, little Dunean UMC. You are very brave and will likely receive backlash now that the word is out. Be strong and remember: Giants. They do fall.

http://www.advocatesc.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1156&Itemid=271

 

Charity Treks - Presentation to Emory Vaccine Center

What a special day and evening! A mini-reunion with some of my Charity Treks family members Chris, John, Jonathan, Quinton and Mark started out with a check presentation to the Emory Vaccine Center. We toured the Vaccine Center and chatted with scientists about their work, their challenges and their hopes. I'm so thankful our cycling miles resulting in a boost of funds for them. Afterwards, Carol joined us at Rosebud for dinner. This group is so easy to be with and I'm so proud to be associated with them and accepted by this awesome family of riders sharing a dream to end AIDS. It sounds like Carol will be joining us on the Charity Treks ride in August as a ride supporter and she'll be a terrific inspiration and source of fun. For all of you who follow our miles and share your resources to support this dream - this is your family, too. Thank you, everyone!!

Making a Plan

Making a plan . . . 138 days to the AV200 and 154 days to the AIDS LifeCycle. And 35 pounds I don't want to drag up a mountain - uuggghhh. Let's see - 19 weeks would be about 1.8 pounds per week I need to shed. 3500 cal per pound - so I need to have about 6450 calorie savings per week - either burned or not eaten. I hope I got this right.

So - will someone please hide the Girl Scout cookies from me this year?!

 

REAL Hugs

I was watching Entertainment Tonight earlier and a segment about the Best Buddies ride in California caught my attention. Initially, the interview with Maria Shriver made me look up from my computer (the first miracle of the night per Carol). The cyclists on the Pacific Coast Highway brought back wonderful memories from last June and my heart rate jumped up a few notches. The biggest eye-catcher, however, was the scene of the finish line as the cyclists were met with intellectually and developmentally challenged children and adults with open arms.

I know those hugs. I felt them as a volunteer for Special Olympics years ago. Now before you give me accolades for such wonderful volunteer work, let me give you the facts. First of all, I was scared to death of the athletes. They were different and I had never been around anyone like them. Secondly, I was assigned the job of hugging the athletes as they crossed the finish line, walked to the water line, walked towards the award stage or wherever there was an opportunity to hug them. While this might sound like a great job, I was down-right terrified. You see, I didn’t grow up in a “huggy” environment. Love was never a question – but hugs were not a common practice. So there I was – assigned the role of hugging people and feeling the cold sweat of nervousness. Little did I know that these beautiful athletes would teach me how to “really” hug – not the cold, quick, barely touch someone hug – but a real hug. After my first hug, I fell in love with them and realized they weren’t scary at all. After the hundredth or so hug (if you’ve ever been to the Special Olympics, you know what I mean), I had officially mastered how to hug. They taught me two of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life – just because we’re different doesn’t mean we’re scary and hugs can make you so happy.

On the infamous Day 2 of the 2011 AIDS LifeCycle – yes, the freezing rain day – I was huddled under the 3-foot roof overhang of a park building with a hundred other riders. I couldn’t stop shivering and couldn’t complete a sentence because my mouth wouldn’t work right from my teeth chattering. A guy next to me put his arms around me and said “cuddle up with me and see if that helps.” His big hug warmed me and helped me not shiver so much. I have no idea who he was but I sure love that guy!

As I think about so many of the stories I’ve heard from HIV positive men and women over the last year, way too often I have heard about the darkest side of stigma. The number of hugs that have been withheld are heart-breaking. Perhaps some of this is due to an anxiety similar to mine during my first Special Olympics encounter. If so, I pray the first hug can break through to change the ending of the stories I have heard. For so many, the biographies are still being written, so there is time. Medications can help the body and fight the progression to AIDS, but they can’t do what hugs can do. So if you know an HIV/AIDS friend, partner, acquaintance or family member – give them a hug – a REAL hug. It just might change your life.

More Passion Than Skill

Original posting:  http://aidsvaccine200.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/belva-white/

Never say never. My friend David Hanson, a former AV200 rider, asked me over 5 years ago if I would ride 35 miles in a ride that started at Emory and went to Madison and back.  I told him he was crazy, I didn’t own a bike and even if I did, I would never ride that far.

I haven’t been cycling for long – less than 5 years – and I only did my first century ride in May 2011; all 100 miles of which were ridden in one gear because I didn’t know how to change gears.  It’s hard to believe that in 2012, I pedaled over 1700 miles with 1090 of those dedicated to AIDS. I plan to ride another 1000 in 2013 with the AV200 (200 miles), the AIDS LifeCycle (545 miles) and the Charity Treks (425 miles).

One thing is for sure – I don’t do this because I’m a great cyclist.  I’m very slow and generally take pride in escorting the SAG vehicles into camp.  Hills still make me say bad words and I get to see all of the cool jerseys as other riders pass me.  So for anyone out there who thinks they aren’t good enough to tackle the AV200 challenge – you’ll have to find another excuse as this has nothing to do with being a good cyclist!  It has EVERYTHING to do with passion and wanting to change the future.

During my 14 days of the year pedaling for AIDS, I’m just a rider like everyone else.  No one cares about titles, about politics, about financial status or any of the other unimportant themes we run into during “real life.”  When I first signed up for the AV200, I did so because I learned a friend is HIV positive.  I started a journey of trying to learn more about it and was quickly confronted with the associated stigma.  I asked my AV200 memorial donors last year to tell me about their friend or partner.  The words they shared with me changed my future.  They ignited a fire within me that I cannot really explain but feel called to honor. 

I have been asked why I ride so many miles for HIV/AIDS and there are a number of reasons.  First, I believe that an AIDS vaccine is the only way to truly end this epidemic.  Second, I believe that I am called to care for people currently dealing with the challenges HIV/AIDS and I personally love and know many of them.  Third, I believe that stigma is flat-out wrong.  Fourth, the stories of HIV/AIDS victims move me and I want the world to know how special they are/were.

If you have ever seen a mob of cyclists on the road, you are aware of how they demand your attention.  By riding together in the AV200, we are collectively raising awareness for an AIDS vaccine.  WE are that mob.  WE are noticed.  At rest stops, you might be asked why you are riding and the door is opened for education and perhaps collecting a dollar or two for the cause.  Together, WE make a difference.

The AV200 ride really is for everyone.  The relay rides allow for a fun, less stressful ride for anyone preferring a shorter route.  There are plenty of Couch to Century training guides to get you ready and the support of the AV200 ride leaders is amazing.  They will get you ready and it is NOT a race (I’m proof of that!) but it is a journey and one that will change the way you see the world.