World AIDS Day - AIDS LifeCycle - Oprah Winfrey
"In 1994, at the age of 22, I moved to San Francisco. During this time period, I could often be found in "The Trocadero," "The End Up," "Buzzby's," "DV8," and various other night clubs. San Francisco's night club scene was "off the hook." Everyone was having a good time. Yet, as the years past, I noticed that my Disco friends were slowly missing. And when I asked others about them, ...the common response was ..."they're dead." And now, at the age of 42, most of my friends are no longer here. Most have died of HIV/AIDS, or complications of the AIDS pandemic."
So, I had the choice of either
1.) To sit and watch
2.) Do something about it
World AIDS Day, 1 December is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.
Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
Last year, on World AIDS Day, I visited the AIDS Inpatients of the San Francisco General Hospital to reassured them that they are not alone and to remind them that 1,500 AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist and over 400 AIDS LifeCycle Crew Members (and various other individuals) are beside them in fighting this AIDS pandemic. And although today, I am unable to visit - tomorrow, I'll be right back out there at the San Francisco General Hospital with flowers.
So today, tomorrow, and with each breath you breathe - remember how fortunate we are - and assist those who are suffering. Here's some things you can do today!
1. The HIV Advisory Board will present the Red Ribbon Awards to Kaiser Permanente San Francisco physicians and members who have made an Impact in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony
Friday, 01 December 2006
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
2238 Geary, first floor lobby
Noon to 1:00pm.
2. Read World AIDS Day messages from around the world.
Uniting the World against AIDS
3. Check out Oprah Winfrey's Latest:
NBA Legend Magic Johnson and the New Faces of HIV/AIDS in America
4. Vist the National AIDS Memorial in Golden Gate Park - San Francisco.
5. Read personal stories of people affected by AIDS
6. Send an invitation to Harpo Productions & Oprah Winfrey to assist in creating a better world.
7. Check out What to do on World AIDS Day.
8. Donate unused HIV medications to assist clinics in Nigeria.
The Starfish Project
9. The Goree Challenge II
On World AIDS Day,
December 1, 2007, Victor Mooney, 42, of Queens, New York (USA) will
make a second attempt to row across The Atlantic Ocean. Mooney will
start from Senegal and finished The Carribean -(3,000 miles/ 90 days).Money raised during his expedition will benefit AIDS Organizations worldwide.
Whatever you decide to do for World AIDS Day, the most important thing is that you follow its basic principals by raising awareness and understanding where you live and by remembering the millions living with HIV or suffering because of AIDS.
Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
10th Yr, AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist
Sponsor Tony for AIDS Lifecycle 2007
AIDS LifeCycle - 2005
AIDS LifeCycle - 2006
tony
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