AIDS Life Cycle Ride 2009

Donating a dollar here and there to local charities sure is an act of giving. Try raising thousands of dollars by yourself and to top it off, ride from SF to LA on a bicycle. Extraordinary is a mere protrayal of what these people have done. A rigorious bike ride for 5 days from SF to LA is an experience of a lifetime. Riding along side some of the most exquisite and breathtaking sites on the California western coast makes the ride worth while. These cyclist have not forgotten the sole reason why they have taken up this tremendous feat; to make a difference.

I was not able to go down to LA to see these heroes ride through the finish line, but I guarantee you it was a moment of great relief for many. The best was able to go and support the race because his cousins were a part of AID SF to LA 2009. He was inspired to participate in the 2010 SF to LA Ride and I wish him all the luck in the world.

The story behind this bracelet comes from a fearless woman cyclist who ventured her way into this year's ride. Knowing she was sick from her battle with AIDS, it did not stop her from trying to make a difference. Her trip was caught short as she passed away just a couple of days into the race. She did not let her illness win over her and she definately came out on top in many people's eyes. Her fellow cyclists took the chains off her bike to make several individual bracelets. Each bracelets contains a single chain part that came from her bike. These bracelets were made to be worn by other women. Jeff was given this bracelet and his friends asked if he can give it to me. I am very honored to have gotten this bracelet and every time I look at it, it symbolizes what I've done in my own life to make a difference and what else I can do in the future to make the world a better place. I often question myself where true happiness comes from. The act of being selfless, knowing that you have made those around you happy is where happiness comes from. As the mid year approaches it is never too late to act selflessly. I guarantee, it's a feeling that cannot be bought, taken away, compared to, or replaced... only shared =)