Thank you for joining me in this cause!
I’m excited to share my AIDS/LifeCycle journey with you.
My name is Raul Fuster. I am a veteran of both the Afghan and Iraqi campaigns with multiple tours in each, the Global War on Terrorism, and other operations (i.e. (SP)MAGTAF Katrina). I retired from the Marine Corps in 2019 after 20 years of service. However, my service didn’t come without sacrifice, physical, mental, and emotional. PTSD is one of those burdens that I fight with and so do many of my fellow Brothers and Sisters.
In 2019, a fellow Marine and my best friend asked me to embark on a journey that occurs every year, a 545-mile bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Together we comprised Team Warriors Live On and our goal was to raise awareness for PTSD and the toll it has taken. As you are aware, we lose approximately 22 veterans every day to suicide. Thus, it became our goal to have as many conversations as we could; after all, suicide and PTSD are not things that only afflict veterans, it can impact us all. Our conversation starter was to do 22 push-ups every 22 miles, and, as you can guess, in memory of those we lose every day. This ride has, in 2019, over 4,000 participants, riders and roadies, and the seven-day journey gave us many opportunities to have these conversations. It was so effective that people stopped, watched, talked and even joined. It went as far as someone deciding to take on the challenge themselves and he started doing the same. Since then, I have tried to participate in this event every year, even if it meant doing it at home as was the case in 2020 and 2021. Sadly, this year was the first time I did not participate, and I will get to that. But I will back next year as part of my summer celebration for my 50th birthday.
Sadly, 2025 will not only be my last year riding in AIDS/LifeCycle, it will be the rides final 545 miles. Unfortunately, the rising cost of production coupled with a decline in participants and funds raised, means that it is not financially feasible to continue the ride. Thus, it has come to pass that ALC 2025 will be the last ride for this wonderful ride.
My goal for the 2025 ride is $5,000 raised. It is significant because I am turning 50 that summer and want it to have a theme. In addition, just recently we received the news that due to the low participant/fundraising amounts and the rising cost of production, 2025 will be the last AIDS/Lifecycle after more than 30 years. For this reason, I am asking for your help and anyone you see fit to share this with. I am hoping that you see it in your heart to help me make a difference in this world and raise awareness for PTSD and suicide prevention. This is the link to my fundraising page, and, for your peace of mind, I never see the money, it goes straight to the organizations the ride benefits.
Before I continue, let me explain what the ride is, AIDS/LifeCycle. The purpose of the ride is to “raise awareness to end the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Provide a positive, life affirming experience for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Grow our community of activists, volunteers, and ambassadors fighting to end AIDS.” Yes, this ride benefits two organizations that are dedicated to the prevention, education, and treatment of AIDS for all, and not just to one demographic.
I do understand that my purpose for riding is centered around PTSD and Suicide Prevention while the ride’s goal is to end AIDS. However, my goal is closer to this issue than you may think. Those afflicted with HIV/AIDS have a traumatic experience and I know many with PTSD. At one point it was a death sentence, and many are still being lost to suicide. Thus, the two are not just connected, but intertwined.
I’ll be working throughout the year to support the life-saving services offered by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
The services provided as a result of my fundraising efforts include STI and HIV screenings and counseling, linking youth experiencing homelessness and people living with HIV to housing, and many other services that support the LGBTQA+ community. By supporting this cause, you take a stand against stigma and help to save lives, creating a world where health justice is a reality for everyone.
These services mean the world to those who receive them, and your support means the world to me.