$894.80

2024 will be my second year riding the Friends For Life Bike Rally (@f4lbr) raising money for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation and riding the 6-day 610km journey from Toronto to Montreal. I signed up a year ago because I was inspired by the cause and for the physical challenge of the ride; this time around I'm riding for the hundreds of people and their loved ones, past and present, immortalized through the stories, emotions, and human kindness I was privileged to witness this past August.  

There have been invaluable strides in medicine and technology that allow those with HIV to live long, fulfilling lives. Viral loads can be easily managed to undetectable levels (undetectable means untransmissible). However, much more work needs to be done to ensure those touched by HIV/AIDS in our communities can reach this point. The stigma around the virus is still very much present. Members of low-income and marginalized communities in particular experience barriers to treatment. PWA's work provides treatment to all people through access to medication, housing supplies, counseling, and education. With the rising cost of living and affordable housing crisis in this city, these services are needed more than ever. I encourage you to check them out at https://www.pwatoronto.org/.

Thanks for your support - feel free to reach out if you have any questions, want to talk in a judgment-free space, or want to share tips on riding. 

With love and fire,

Graham