By Abigail Rangel | Outreach Coordinator
HIV & AIDS impacts underserved BIPOC communities the most. Our young women leaders recognize this disparity and hope to close it through their work. Our team distributes condoms and other safer sex tools to their communities, educate youth on ways to prevent the spread of HIV, and make direct referrals for additional services. Holding and navigating these conversations is often tricky because of the stigma attached to HIV & AIDS, which is why our team centers on destigmatizing. The importance of our programs work is also met with the need to fund it. That is why Women’s Health Specialists is a beneficiary of the NorCal AIDS Cycle.
The NorCal AIDS Cycle is an organization that holds over a 100-mile ride for cyclists and crew members to raise money for HIV & AIDS programs and services in Northern California. Many of the participants of the NorCal AIDS Cycle are closely or directly impacted by HIV & AIDS pandemic, thus affirming their passion for ending HIV & AIDS. The NorCal AIDS community is one like no other; many organizations and individuals fundraise to participate in the life-affirming event.
This year our team fundraised and participated! Together our team reached out to friends, family, and businesses to share their passion for ending HIV & AIDS and highlight the fantastic event they were going to participate in. Thanks to their support and the hard work of our young leaders, they were able to reach their fundraising goals and bring resources back to their communities.
Youth participated as part of the event crew; their responsibilities included: providing support vehicles, rest stops, encouragement, and much more. Cyclists are in much need of support; cycling over 100 miles in the California heat is no easy feat. Women's Health Specialists Public Relations Director hit the road to pedal out HIV & AIDS! Our team followed to help provide support and encouragement to the cyclist along the way.
Throughout the ride, one could feel a sense of community and comradery! The uplifting and encouraging attitudes of the participants and staff made the 100-mile journey possible. Along the way, our team spoke with community leaders and organizers to learn more about their work in HIV & AIDS, along with sharing their own experiences helping their communities. Community members who are HIV positive witnessed the event and came to thank cyclists and staff for fundraising on their behalf—indeed reassuring the need and presence in the fight to end HIV & AIDS.
As the ride came to an end, participants joined together in celebration of their amazing feat! The euphoric feeling of accomplishing something as a community was very fulling to our team. Although the group was exhausted, they left the event with big smiles and lifted spirits! These young leaders will continue their work to end HIV & AIDS and look forward to the next NorCal AIDS cycle!
Please enjoy these photos of our youth during the NorCal AIDS Cycle, along with the work they do to help end HIV & AIDS! Thank you for supporting our work and the leadership of young people in our communities.
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