Former Peachtree City resident Katy Scienski is training to join thousands of other participants for AIDS/LifeCycle — the seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that is the world’s largest annual, single-event AIDS fundraiser. This is her third time participating in the event, which takes place May 31-June 6.
“I am committed to AIDS/LifeCycle because I want to do my part to see an end to HIV/AIDS,” she said. “With the money I’ve raised, the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation can continue to provide critical services for the HIV-positive community and prevent new HIV infections through programs, services, and education,” says Scienski. “I look forward to spending a week on the road with the amazing community of AIDS/LifeCycle participants. We have the power to stop HIV transmission in our lifetime, and AIDS/LifeCycle plays an important role in making that happen.”
According to race officials, in the seven days it takes the riders to reach Los Angeles, more than 1,000 people in the United States will become infected with HIV – and one out of every five people living with HIV nationwide is not aware of his or her status.
“What these cyclists contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS is truly remarkable,” said AIDS/LifeCycle Senior Director Greg Sroda. “Each year people from across the country and all over the world join us not only because the event is a life-changing experience for them, but also because the money they raise changes the lives of people living with HIV. Since the ride began in 1993, our participants have raised more than $200 million and completed more than 42,000 journeys from San Francisco to Los Angeles.”
Participants play a significant role in helping to promote HIV/AIDS education and awareness through outreach to hundreds of thousands of people who support their efforts. On average, each cyclist raises nearly $6,000 through their network of donors, which includes family, friends, and coworkers.
To help Katy Scienski reach her fundraising goal of $5,000, visit http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR/Events/AIDSLifeCycleCenter?px=2818774&pg=personal&fr_id=1770.
