About James
About two and a half years ago during my last year in graduate school I decided to play around with crystal meth. I think we all know where this story goes and yes, I did live the stereotypical gay life for about 7 or 8 months after that experiment. My addiction quickly developed in which I dropped out of school, lost an apartment including all of my belongings and completely separated myself from my family. The only thing I was interested in doing was shooting up meth and hanging out with people who did the same. Needless to say, I contracted the HIV virus during this period of time. My family saved me though by forcing me into a rehab program that saved my life! Now that I have survived that ordeal, I recognize that it is time to give back to society in any way that I can. Riding in the AIDS/LifeCycle 6 event is allowing me to begin making up the damage I caused to society during my time as a drug addict.
Good luck to you and David on this ride, it is truly amazing that you are doing this and I am proud to call you my friend.
Lv, Gillian
Posted by: Gillian | June 01, 2007 at 07:37 AM
Wow, what a story! You are a hero in my eyes. You have changed your life in such a big way and are an inspiration to all. When you hear about the world from tv or whatever, a person usually just hears the bad stuff and about the bad people and what they do. Why don't we hear more about people like you? Thank you for your blog. I will keep reading it. My 19 year old son from Eugene Oregon will be riding for the first time. His name is Stephan Nance. I hope he has the honor of meeting you. He's a great kid and a new rider. He had only really been riding a few months and decided to take this on. I am so proud of him. And I'm really proud of you also. Good luck and God Bless you. Marilee
Posted by: marilee nance | June 02, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Hi James,
You don't know me, but I want to wish you the Best on your ride and what a great smile.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Millspaugh | June 02, 2007 at 09:39 PM
James, what a HUGE accomplishment to overcome your addiction and embark on this journey. Good luck to you!
Lorri
Posted by: Lorri Lee Lown | June 03, 2007 at 07:09 PM
Go James, Go!
Thanks for your candor about your addiction story. When I get further along in my recovery, I'll get back on the bike and back to the LifeCycle (I'm a former rider).
Posted by: Greg | June 05, 2007 at 09:18 AM
I am so excited for you, James!
I am following your blog daily ... and enjoying every pedal of the way!
Keep on shining... You are an inspiration!
Posted by: Tracey (Team OC) | June 05, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Aloha James,
I've been reading your blog since day one!
You are an inspiration. Your stories are great and bring me close to my son Ric Iverson who is also on the ride.
I also have a younger son in on again off again recovery, so I applaud you and you bring so much hope!
Keep peddling James, I am Just a Mom here in Hawaii wishing you Aloha Nui Loa!!!
Posted by: Shirl Scott | June 06, 2007 at 01:37 PM