Despite the incredible strides forward made since HIV/AIDS was first identified in 1981, the epidemic is still far from over. Working toward changing that is AIDS/LifeCycle, a fundraising event that includes a 7 day, 545-mile bike ride. This year, Telgian was proud to support Fire Protection Consultant Mike Willis, as he completed the ride to raise awareness and help end the spread of AIDS.
Each year, more than 2,800 people, like Willis, from across the nation and around the world come together for the event. Over the course of a week, they take an epic journey down the coast of California, from San Francisco to Los Angeles. These cyclists have guts, strength and dedication, knowing that this event will save lives. In fact, in the seven days it takes cyclists to reach Los Angeles, over 650 people in the US alone will become infected with HIV.
“I originally signed up for the ride on impulse, when I saw the event on social media,” explains Willis. “I saw it as a great challenge for a cause in which I wholeheartedly believe (I consider myself an ally to the communities that are afflicted the most). On further investigation, I found that of all the funds contributed, 30% is utilized to fund the logistics of the ride and 70% goes directly to the two charities that benefit from this effort. This showed me that my work will actually help.”
“I am glad that I am healthy enough and fortunate to be able provide this type of direct action,” Willis continues. “I could not have done this without the help of my family’s support for my training and all of my friends, colleagues and Telgian who contributed hard-earned money to this worthy cause. I am forever grateful to be able to have done what I can and will do in the future as I plan to ride for as many years as I am able.”
Collectively, this year’s event raised a record $17,700,000, which directly benefits the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. These organizations provide assistance regardless of ability to pay, to those that are affected by, or at high risk of contracting, this disease. And since 1994, event participants have raised more than $300 million for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
To learn more, please visit AIDS/LifeCycle. To donate, visit the Supporting AIDS/LifeCycle page.
About Telgian in the Community
Since 1985, Telgian has served as a trusted partner to clients around the globe, offering a comprehensive, single-source solution for all fire protection, life safety and security needs. To learn more about Telgian’s companies including Telgian Engineering & Consulting and Telgian Fire Safety, please visit our Companies and Services page.
To learn more about Telgian’s dedication to improving local communities through events such as the AIDS/LifeCycle event, please visit the Telgian Community page.
About the San Francisco AIDS Foundation
San Francisco AIDS Foundation promotes health, wellness, and social justice for communities most impacted by HIV through sexual health and substance use services, advocacy, and community partnerships.
The Foundation envisions a future where health justice is achieved for all people living with or at risk for HIV, ultimately striving for a day when race is not a barrier to health and wellness, substance use is not stigmatized, HIV status does not determine quality of life, and HIV transmission is eliminated.
About the Los Angeles LGBT Center
Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy.
Media and Interview Inquiries:
Susan McNeill
smcneill@telgian.com