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AIDS-awareness group pedals through Valley
By D.A.WILKINSON
YOUNGSTOWN
Shane Hegde and Sanford Roberts decided to stop at the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest on Friday night to spread their message.
The college students are part of an AIDS-awareness program that has taken them from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., to Ohio.
They and five other students are bicycling across the nation to raise awareness and funds for those in need in Africa.
Hegde, of Toledo, heard of previous trips and decided to take part. Roberts, of San Antonio, is in pre-med classes.
Roberts said, “For me, AIDS is an epidemic. Literally.”
The other students are Mike Stewart of Wyoming; Jason Lupatkin of New York City; Kirsten Pufahl of Batavia, Ill.; and Zane Silver of Redding, Calif. Another rider, Claire Fisher, was driving ahead to find a place for the team to rest.
He said the bike team was trying to draw attention to the AIDS problem. They expect to reach the East Coast and go north over a total of 40 days. They also expect to raise $50,000 in donations.
Rwandan women use a safety pin and beads to recreate the AIDS awareness ribbon, which they sell for $5.
All funds raised go to Partners In Health and FACE AIDS’ operations in Rwanda to provide health care and socioeconomic support to HIV-affected individuals. Last year, that program raised $321,985.
Those groups give the money to the women who make the pins. Funds also may go to those who have AIDS, been affected by AIDS, or a relative of someone who has AIDS.
The situation in Rwanda “is a major problem,” Roberts said.
The riders have had to peddle up 8,000 feet to get out of the Rocky Mountains and were faced with bad weather, bike repairs and finding places to sleep.
Each rider gets to drive the support vehicle one day a week while the others ride.
With no camps nearby, Hegde said they would find a motel somewhere. Riders who complete the journey get a small stipend to cover costs.
Visitors can go to www.faceaids.org/raa for more information or to make donations. People also may make donations in the names of the riders listed on the website.