Mollie J. DiBartolo, Orlando, FL

World Aids Day 2009 will long be remembered as a time when women of different ethnicities and cultures came together to support a common cause. I was honored to be a part of this group of women motorcycle riders who gathered in support of the SOS initiative. I was one of the first to arrive at our designated departure point. As I watched all of the other women arriving I felt a strong sense of belonging and pride in what we were about to accomplish. The excitement began to build as each rider pulled in and parked revving their engine one last time as if to say, “I’m here and ready to ride for the cause.” I had the pleasure of meeting women motorcycle riders who without this event I probably would not have met. After a time of socializing, we heard a women speak who has been living with HIV. Her words were profound and thought provoking. Commissioner Samuel Ings then spoke encouraging us to make this an annual event and to work even harder next year to get even more women of varied ethnicities to participate. After a prayer we were off to our designated stop of Joy MCC to participate in the WAD ceremony. As we arrived everyone was cheering and I felt my heart swell with pride. My thoughts shifted to how proud my brother must feel watching me from above, be a part of the message for women to get educated and tested. He wasn’t watching me in person though I felt his presence as if he were; you see he lost his war with AIDS 15 years ago. That is when I made my decision to honor his valiant efforts to educate and support this cause. In honor of him and every other person infected or affected with HIV/AIDS I pledge to continue to support this cause in any way I can. My thanks to Linda Bailey (President of Ladycycleriders) and SOS planning team members for the opportunity to participate in this event. To all of the ladies who gave of their time and efforts to ride, including three of my co-workers I say, “The future is in your hands and my brother and I are confident in your ability to change it”.