Memorial Day in Action

One year ago I was coaxing her back into a training regimen to join me on the 2009 NYCDC AIDS Research Ride. My sister, Tammie, found one of very few acceptable excuses not to return to DC with me this year by taking her recreation prowess to the troops. Specifically, MWR Entertainment Specialist at Bagram AFB, shuttling entertainment to our soldiers all across Afghanistan.

This Memorial Day, as we remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, I also salute Tammie and all who strive to motivate the living to serve another day.

Follow Tammie's adventures and find out how she spent Memorial Day 2010.

Celebrate That

Seems appropriate to return to blogging a new cycling season in earnest today, the 15^th anniversary of Bret’s passing. Though I’ll never again experience May 5 without some sense of loss, there is more to celebrate in each passing year.

Today’s HIV testing is fast, easy and more readily available on a global basis than it was in the early 90’s. Once detected, treatments are less expensive, far easier to manage – think a few pills per day instead of handfuls of pills 3x a day – and much more effective.

Though some have experienced HIV levels reduced to undetectable amounts, no one can yet claim to have a found a consistently effective weapon against HIV and its fatal course to AIDS, particularly when paired with the dual hurdles of poverty and access to regular medical care. Still, a diagnosis no longer comes with the automatic 12-18 month death sentence Bret received. More of those infected with HIV are living longer, better lives.

Today, I celebrate that.

In memory of
Bret Marshall Granato