Our Hometown
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Newark woman honoring brother in AIDS Ride
The Newark resident has been training for months to prepare for the Empire State AIDS Ride in August. It's her first time on a bicycle since her high school years, and the training has been tough, but well worth it. 'This year will be the 10th anniversary of my brother's death from AIDS-related cancer,' she says. 'I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate his life than to help raise awareness of HIV.' Tom, who died at age 43, didn't tell the family he had acquired HIV until later in his struggle, because he feared being rejected. 'So, fundraising for this cause is very important to me. I want to help ensure that resources will always be available for anyone infected with this virus,' said Allen. She is one of 12 members of A.R.iders, the Rochester-based bicycle team representing AIDS Rochester, Inc. in the AIDS Ride. The team has raised $41,000 so far, their goal is $55,000. The team, along with an estimated 90 other cyclists from across the state will bike 560 miles in seven days, starting in Niagara Falls and ending in New York City's Robert Wagner Park. The ride will take place August 14-20 with participants biking an average of 80 miles each day and spending the evenings camping in tents. Team members must raise a minimum of $3200 in sponsorships. Proceeds, which totaled $250,000 last year, will be divided among four agencies dedicated to HIV/AIDS service and prevention. Recipients will include AIDS Rochester, AIDS Community Resources (Syracuse), AIDS Community Services of Western New York (Buffalo), and African Services Committee (New York City). Last year, the event raised $40,000 for AIDS Rochester. To donate to the ride, please visit www.empirestateaidsride.org
Nearly 3000 people in the Finger Lakes region were living with HIV or AIDS, according to the Monroe County Dept. of Health. An additional 25 percent of the U.S. population does not even know they are infected with HIV. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Additionally, the rate of new cases among women, particularly African-Americans, is steadily increasing. While medications have helped HIV+ individuals live healthier, longer lives, AIDS Rochester continues to lose, on average, one client per week to the epidemic. AIDS Rochester (ARI), a human services agency, leads a compassionate community effort, providing a continuum of programs and services including education, prevention, advocacy, and support services for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. www.AIDSRochester.org ... Serving Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates Counties
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Whenever Debbie Wood Allen hops on her bicycle, her brother is on her mind. 