Did you know that approximately 6,528 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota? Did you know there were 370 new cases reported alone in 2009, which is an increase of 23% over 2005? Of these new infections, there has been an increase of infected adolescents. The number of adolescents infected with HIV/AIDS has doubled since 2005. Unfortunately, the CDC estimates that 21% of infected people are not aware of their status so the previous numbers are even higher. In 2009, 62 people died that were living with HIV/AIDS.
To many, these may just be alarming statistics. To others, like me, that know people living with the disease, they are much more. From a good friend that I met during my college days in St. Cloud to other great people, like Joe and Annie, that I have had the pleasure of getting to know since being involved in the Minnesota Red Ribbon Ride are all currently living with the disease.
The numbers above indicate that more people are becoming infected with HIV than dying. This means that more and more people are living with the disease. Contrary to some perceptions, this disease is much more challenging than taking a pill here and there. Our fellow Minnesotans that are affected by HIV/AIDS have to deal with daily struggles and some depend on multiple organizations for support. Some of these organizations, which the Red Ribbon Ride helps fund, include:
African American AIDS Task Force
The Aliveness Project
Clare Housing
Hope House of St. Croix Valley
Minnesota AIDS Project
One Heartland
Park House
Rural AIDS Action Network
This year I will participate in my seventh Red Ribbon Ride to support these organizations and the people that they assist. In July I will take time off work and ride 300 miles over four days throughout southern Minnesota to raise funds for the beneficiaries listed above.
To be able to participate in this ride, I must raise $1,500. I will need a lot of support from friends and family to do this. Even after completing six Red Ribbon Rides, this is still the most challenging aspect of the ride. Please consider a tax-deductible donation on my behalf. Please note that the website does allow for a “give over time monthly” option. For example, a donation amount of $10 charged to your credit card once monthly for the next 10 months will become a substantial gift of $100. The biggest mistake you can make is choosing not to donate because you can’t give a lot. The amount you donate is not important it’s the fact that you stood up to support your fellow Minnesotans. I’ve started the ball rolling by contributing $100.
To contribute to the Red Ribbon Ride please click here.
There is one other final way that you can show your support for people living with HIV/AIDS. You can join the Red Ribbon Ride yourself. If you a cycler it’s a win-win, because you get to do what you love while helping others. Maybe cycling isn’t your thing, but helping others is. If that is the case, please consider crewing to support the ride. If you want more information, please let me know and I would be glad to help you get started.
Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Michael
Rider #79
