Why I Ride…
Someone just asked me why I decided to join Team TPAN in the Chicago Ride For AIDS. The answer, it seems, is simple.
When I arrived in Chicago, a little over four years ago, I didn’t know very much about this city … I didn’t know very many people (in fact, I only knew one) … in fact, I knew nothing about life in Chicago at all. It was hard for me to get out, meet people, make friends. I didn’t want to hang out in bars. I looked at a few social groups, but none were right for me.
I had been here for a month when I got sick. It wasn’t anything major, just pneumonia. (Community based, thank goodness.) I spent a week in the hospital, but once I was better, I decided to start checking out support groups and social venues. The first place I called was TPAN.
All I could do (physically and mentally) at that time was attend a support-social group twice a week. After awhile, once my immune system started to build itself up and I got stronger, I began volunteering. Just answering the phone at first – but as more time went by, and I started making new friends – I would also help out with other things too. Special events, organizing things, or even just spending an hour helping to unload the supply truck or stuffing letters into envelopes. Now, I work for TPAN, do as many special events as I can – in part, because it’s fun, but also because I highly doubt I would be as good off as I am now had it not been for some of the fine folks at TPAN.
I have come such a long way in four short years. I can’t believe it, sometimes.
It is important for me to be involved with the AIDS Ride because … well, it feels important to support the people who supported me four years ago. This will also help show my physical progress as well. Four years ago, walking up two flights of stairs made me lose my breath. And, in just four short years, I’m about to embark on a 180 Mile bike ride. Whoa!
It is the least I could do … help raise money for TPAN (and BE-HIV) … and be a part of something as wonderful as this.
That’s why I want to ride.
