A Letter From My Mom

In 1997, I signed up for AIDS/LifeCycle (then called the California AIDS Ride) even though I didn’t own a bike. I was teaching at New City School at the time, and my friend Linda Churchwell convinced me to do it with her. It ended up being one of the hardest, most transformative experiences of my life.

Linda and I are on the right. Me always in overalls.

That ride cracked something open in me. Raising money for people living with HIV and AIDS, pushing myself physically and emotionally—it all lit a fire. There’s no question that this ride planted the seed for my career in nonprofit work. I found my purpose pedaling down the California coast.

A year later, I was pregnant with Chloe (Izzy).

And now, my amazing, fierce, big-hearted kid is taking on the same ride in 2025. They’re training hard, learning to navigate gear issues and long-distance rides, and pushing themselves just like I did. Watching them step into this legacy, honoring their uncles Buzz and Paul (who thier family lost to AIDS), gives me so much pride I can barely put it into words.

They were literally born on World AIDS Day. This is in their bones.

But here’s the thing: they need help to meet the $3,500 fundraising minimum. If you can chip in—even $10—it makes a difference. And if you knew me back then, or if you’ve ever believed in Chloe, I hope you’ll support them on this journey.

I am so fucking proud!!