Regular readers of this site know I don't write many diaries. Part of the reason is that in my professional life, I spend a large part of my day writing. So it's not often that I can bestir myself to write even more once I get home from the office. No, for that, it takes inspiration, and for me, that's usually in rather short supply.
But today is different. I'm writing to ask for your help. Oh, don't worry. I don't need any help myself. I'm fine. I'm asking for another Kossack. She needs your help, although she's actually fine, too. The reason she needs your help is so she can help others.
Scroll past the delicate orange squiggle for more details.
The Kossack in question is none other than our own anotherdemocrat. Now, if you just happened to read my last diary, you'll know that I hold AD in very high esteem. So today I'm going to add my voice to hers and ask all of you to consider reaching into your pockets to contribute to one of AD's favorite causes -- the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Come on, my fellow Kossacks, let's all pimp AD's ride!
Just so you know what you're being asked to contribute to, here's a little info in Q&A format:
(1) What is the Hill Country Ride for AIDS?
The Hill Country Ride for AIDS is an annual cycling event that rolls through beautiful Central Texas, starting and ending at Reunion Ranch.
Riders and volunteers provide life saving support for thousands of Central Texans living with HIV/AIDS by raising money for 10 local nonprofit organizations.
(2) What are those local nonprofit organizations?
You can read about all of them on this page, but I'll give you a thumbnail sketch of a few. They include:
AIDS Services of Austin
ASA provides quality direct-care services to persons with HIV and AIDS. Services include case management, a food pantry, community education and outreach, direct service volunteers, and nutritional consultation. ASA also provides primary dental and oral medical care through the Jack Sansing Dental Clinic, as well as free legal assistance through the Capital Area AIDS Legal Project.
ALLGO
ALLGO is a statewide queer people of color organization. Allgo envisions a just and equitable society that celebrates and nurtures vibrant people of color queer culture. Allgo works towards its vision through cultural arts, health and advocacy programming by supporting artists and artistic expression within our diverse communities, promoting health within a wellness model, and mobilizing and building coalitions among groups marginalized by race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, and sexual orientation/sexual identity enact change. Allgo also works to create and sustain a statewide network of queer people of color activists, groups, organizations and allies, which through nourishment of relationships, grassroots organizing and artistic expression can radically transform systems and policies toward a collective liberation.
Community Action, Inc. Rural AIDS Services Program
RASP provides case management for HIV positive individuals in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano and Williamson counties. Case Management also includes transportation to medical, dental appointments, financial assistance for housing, utilities, food, prescriptions, physician visits, and radiology services.
RASP creates a positive social impact through case management services by developing a partnership between the client and case manager to work together to maintain client independence and increase access to HIV medical care.
(3) What can my tiny donation amount possibly buy?
The answer to this question is in one of AD's recent diaries. Here's what she had to say:
$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.
As you can see, even a donation as small as $35 can make a big difference. Think of it this way, if you give $35, you'll be helping someone in Texas find out his or her HIV status. That information can save that person's life, as well as the lives of many others.
(4) Who the hell is anotherdemocrat, and why should I give to her as opposed to someone else?
The answer to this question is in one of my recent diaries:
Go to her profile page and look down her list of diaries. You'll notice a couple of things. One is that they're pretty much all about her efforts to raise money for HIV/AIDS charities in her area. The other is that, unfortunately, her diaries don't attract a lot of recs and comments. They should, though, because they demonstrate that in this time of despair, when the dark side seems triumphant, there are good people who care about their fellow citizens. Anotherdemocrat is one of those people. And she's trying to make a difference, riding and walking to raise money to help people with HIV and AIDS.
AD is the kind of person who does this site proud. You won't find her in the latest flame war, and if your tastes run to snide, snarky commentary, she won't be your cup of tea. She's too busy beating the bushes for contributions to the people and organizations she cares about. Trust me, you won't find a worthier cause or a worthier Kossack.
(5) What's in it for me?
Well, as AD has pointed out, your contribution is tax deductible. Beyond that, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you helped a good person keep doing good. And most important, you'll be helping some of our least fortunate fellow citizens get the care they need.
So if you've read this far, I thank you. Please help by going to AD's personal Hill Country Ride for AIDS page and making a donation. AD has big ambitions, and she aims to raise $5,000. As of this writing, she's only got $666. (Yikes! We can't possibly leave her stuck on such a demonic number.) So please, go to the link and click on the red "Support Becky" button. Then tell all your friends and help me pimp this ride!