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Pearle E., Elton John wrote an open letter last year on the 20th anniversary of the death of his good friend, Ryan White. The same kid who was asked to leave his school was also enjoying back stage concerts with one of the most famous singers of all time. Much has changed since Ryan White moved the whole world. But this letter captures why we still have a long way to go. We need you to be a part of the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. When you ride, volunteer, or give, you are a big part of why things are better, and why we see so many people living and thriving with HIV and AIDS. The picture Elton John paints makes it clear that it will take all of us pulling together to keep change going, to make the world a better place for our neighbors with AIDS. That's what the Hill Country Ride for AIDS is all about, and we won't stop until every man, woman, and child living with HIV and AIDS has the care they need to live to their fullest potential. You can help get us closer, thank you!
Dear Ryan, I remember so well when we first met. A young boy with a terrible disease, you were the epitome of grace. You never blamed anyone for the illness that ravaged your body or the torment and stigma you endured. When students, parents and teachers in your community shunned you, threatened you and expelled you from school, you responded not with words of hate but with understanding beyond your years. You said they were simply afraid of what they did not know. When the media heralded you as an "innocent victim" because you had contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion, you rejected that label and stood in solidarity with thousands of HIV-positive women and men. You reminded America that all victims of AIDS are innocent.
PURE AUSTIN BLOCKBUSTER SPIN CLASSES
Please follow these steps to register early:
Contest winners! Congratulations to Carlos Henderson on winning the Specialized Bicycle in the drawing from our generous sponsors, Bicycle Sport Shop. Carlos is one of the Ride's most ardent supporters, and with his partner Enrique, makes the Ride video we all enjoy every year. He's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and when he registered to ride this year and started raising money, wasn't sure what he was going to ride...now he is! Many thanks again to Bicycle Sport Shop for their generous gift! And another award from last week's contest! Congratulations to Tommy Navarre for sending out more than 740 email requests for donations, more than anyone else! Tommy is always a top fundraiser, and for this contest wins a free round trip ticket on Jet Blue, way to go Tommy!
...that there is a new start/finish location, and a whole new schedule? Check out Reunion Ranch and the new schedule, we'll miss you if you're not there! Even if you're not riding or volunteering, you're invited to come out and enjoy the day, all are welcome.
Last Training Ride before Ride Day! Meet up 8:30 Ride out 9:00 Kiker Elementary 5913 LaCrosse Ave 8, 11, 16, 22 miles Click here to create directions from your house!
Many thanks to Production Team member, Megan Ortiz for creating this video from your 'Why I Ride' campaign. If you haven't already, let us know why you ride!
Get a blank 'WHY I RIDE' poster from the training rides or the Ride office - Write why you ride, take a photo and send it to us at info@hillcountryride.org.
We have the best sponsors! Show them our appreciation by giving them your business!
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Elton John's Friendship that Changed History
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