Richard Okiuye proves he can get into the habit, with fellow Lifecycle riders.

Several of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence received a call from a rider in the upcoming eighth annual May 31 – June 6 AIDS LifeCycle event, a 570 mile bicycle ride from SF to LA for 7 days, which is a fundraiser for SF AIDS Foundation and AIDS services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Since nun of us can resist a good fundraiser, four of us answered the call. I thought this might be a good guideline for other Bay Times riders or roadies who want to meet their monetary obligation to participate. Throw a party! This particular party, held at ArtHaus art gallery, had a Hawaiian/ birthday theme, because Richard Okiuye (Rider #4927) was Hawaiian and turning 50. We nuns gladly said, “Aloha!” to the concept. “Truly this was a dream come true for my birthday. I could not have asked for anything more,” he told me after the party. “Having to raise a significant amount of funds on a significant birthday for a great cause was truly the best gift of all in all my 50 years.” He added, “It is a feeling of joy - the spirit of giving when people need it most in a most economically challenging of times.” This will be his sixth AIDS Lifecycle ride.  

“Like all of us, we know someone afflicted by HIV and AIDS. We have lost dear, close relatives and friends - which was my original motivation to support a wonderful organization, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and this physically demanding fundraising event called AIDS LifeCycle,” said Okiuye in his speech at the event. “But what is driving my motivation more than ever before is a very recent true story of a good friend back east.” He described his friend Mickey as a young, vibrant, congressional appointment secretary for a congressman that he used to work with back in 1982-84. Mickey recently lost his partner; lost his post-congressional job when the congressman retired; had no health insurance; and had AIDS. He felt alone, according to Okiuye, although many of his past friends from his congressional years tried to help him, including the former congressman; but no one could support his medical bills. He had little support when he moved to Florida. He disappeared a year ago. “Six weeks ago, my friend Mickey took his life from depression,” said Okiuye. His ashes will be placed with his partner. “As I struggled to train 70-120 miles each weekend, nothing compares to the unnecessary loneliness and lack of medical support for someone with AIDS,” Okiuye said. SFAF is only one foundation of many supporting so many people affected by this disease for which there is no cure, with medical attention and supportive outreach programs so that many feel a bit of hope in their lives. SFAF also funds important international infrastructure for medical treatment and preventative programs worldwide. “I wanted to plan a fun event for my first 50 years - that in a small but big way would bring hope for those affected and to help reduce a continued, astonishing infection rate in the Bay Area,” he said. “That is why I called it ‘Lifecyle to New Beginnings.’” He joked, “I am told 50 is the new 39!” He said he was very pleased to have more than 80 of his friends, former colleagues, acquaintances, clients, event suppliers, etc. attending and donating. He was also very thrilled that his mother flew in for this event. She greeted everyone at the door. Guests were treated to the lush Hawaiian stylings of Patrick Landeza, who George Winston has called “one of the best and most dedicated of the new generation of slack key players.” His CD is “Ma Ka Home (at home),” and more info is at patricklandeza.com. Guests roamed about the art gallery where pieces by Carolyn Meyer, Kenney Mencher, Rex Ray, and other artists were available for purchase, with 20% going to the fundraiser. The nuns (Sister Mary Juanita High, Sister KrisTall Mighty, myself, and Guard Tighty-Whitey) offered a blessing upon Okiuye and all the riders. Birthday cake was served. When guests leaved, the nuns handed them Big Island chocolate candy bars with Hawaiian macadamia nuts. 

Okiuye said hopefully his fundraising party would inspire other riders and roadies (many of whom were present that afternoon) to throw thematic house parties. You can also make a donation online at AIDSlifecycle.org. Mahalo!