So the Hill Country Ride for AIDS is really soon - April 25. This is a major fundraiser for AIDS Services of Austin and other organizations that provide direct services for people affected by HIV & AIDS. This isn't going off to some research lab, or to provide cushy offices or anything like that. This goes to places that provide a foodbank, specialized dental services, rides to medical appointments, and even home cooked meals for people who can't cook for themselves and have special dietary needs. There will be music; people who listened to college radio in the 80s should know the band from the title. But if you want to skip that (though why would you not want to listen to REM??), you can donate at my Hill Country Ride page now.
Oh, and what am I talking about in the title? I've raised $931 and my goal is $2,000. So the goal, while not unreachable, is still a ways away.
So here are examples of how much different amounts you can give help:
$35 covers one rapid HIV rest - we know that 40% of HIV+ people don't know it yet. Through testing, we can get them into life saving care, and further reduce the spread of the virus.
$60 pays for a one month supply of medical prescriptions. Medications can reduce the virus so much that it keeps someone healthy and also reduces the risk of passing it along.
$120 provides education for 440 people. Education is one of the most important tools in reducing new infections.
$250 provides 3 family counseling sessions. It can be devastating for a family when a member is diagnosed, and we know that an intact family unit promotes health and provides a built in support.
$500 provides a month of rent for one family in supportive housing. Assistance with food, daily chores, trips to medical appointments and social support create a foundation for continued health and a step toward independence.
$1,000 gives 450 home cooked meals for hospice patients. When in hospice, there are often unique food needs. You can make sure that final days are spent with delicious food that doesn't upset someone's stomach.
you can help people, right now, by donating at my Hill Country Ride page
One of the agencies that benefits is the Wright House Wellness Center. Here's a story from one of their clients:
Here's the story of a woman helped by The Wright House: "My name is Annette Y. K. and I recently began receiving services from The Wright House Wellness Center. In a nutshell THE WRIGHT HOUSE lS CHANGING MY LIFE! I have drudged through 15 long years of medical negativity, mental anguish, and no help for my daughter’s stress level and emotions. The Wright House has addressed all of these issues and many more without once making me feel uncomfortable, outof-place, judged or a burden. The Wright House helped me see I was not alone. And my beautiful l5 yr. old daughter, Jessica, is able to release years of pent up anger, hurt, rejection and pain for the first time in her life. To see her smile again, to hear her sing again, and to see the spark coming back in her eyes; these are things I was afraid I would never see again in Jessica. The Wright House is a safe place for her to talk with people who understand. That alone takes an unbelievable amount of weight off my shoulders and my heart. Once I opened the door at The Wright House I felt like the most important person in the world. A Peace came over me that I had not felt in years. I was greeted with smiles and handshakes by everyone I encountered. The staff was so kind and gentle. I was touched by their unconditional care. And when leaving I was given a hug or two. That’s very rare in my life."
Like I said, this money goes to help people, right now, today. Please donate if you can.
And now for the music. I know I usually use my Irish sweethearts, but this song has been in my head the past week or so, so I'm using it