Jason Tucker - AIDS Trek 2010

On August 21st & 22nd, I’ll be riding 130 miles as part of the Minnesota AIDS Trek, a 100% volunteer-run bike ride benefiting those living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota.

Why? Because I care that HIV infection rates are up dramatically in Minnesota, the highest seen in 17 years, and due to the economy, there’s less funding for essential programs to help those living with the disease. I care about people with HIV and AIDS who can’t afford medications, or who have to choose between medications and groceries. And I care about the single HIV+ mother who can’t afford diapers for her baby. I care about a guy with AIDS whose constant companion, his buffer against loneliness, is his dog – and he can’t afford dog food or vet bills. I care about people with HIV who have been able to leave the hospital but aren’t welcome back home, who have to set up a household and need sheets and blankets and pots and pans.

Because the Trek is completely run by volunteers, has wonderful sponsors, and maintains tight control of expenses, it is able to return a very high percentage of participant-raised funds to the beneficiaries (often 100%). In the last five years, that’s meant over $230,000!

Beneficiaries this year include the Minnkota Health Project, the Positive Care Center, Top Shelf, and the Women & Families Network. They’re the folks on the front lines. If you have a moment, please visit their pages on the Trek website and see the important work they are doing and just how much the Trek affects their bottom line. For several, without the support of the Trek, there might no longer be a program.

Please join me helping improve the lives of those living with the disease, at a time when more people are getting infected and there’s less funding available to support them.

P.S. Find out more about the Trek at http://www.mnaidstrek.org. Maybe you’ll even consider riding or crewing alongside me? I’d also appreciate it if you could pass this message along to your friends – every bit helps!