Good morning. This will be my only post today as yesterday I discovered…. I am not super woman.
I thought I could be gone for my third weekend in a row and still manage all aspects of my life, the house, the job, the books, the workouts, the blog…
well. I am clearly behind on stopping in and chatting with all of you my readers and bloggy buddies. I didn’t even make it through all the Monday memes yesterday as I did not even get started until after 5 pm. Anyway – I will catch up.
And anyway – this post is not about that. This morning before I leave for my training in the cities, I wanted to share with you about the bike ride I did this weekend and why I am supportive of this particular camp.
This is Connie. I met Connie last year through my cousin and his wife. Connie has had AIDS for 29 years. She became positive for aids after she had an emergency hysterectomy in 1981. When she went to the doctor she was floored with this diagnosis. When they figured out the cause they had to go back through the blood donor batch. While they could not narrow it down to a specific donor, they could narrow it down to the batch and the batch was destroyed, however 5 other people had received transfusions with this batch. All became AIDS positive. All 5 of the others have died through the years.
She was asked to leave her job. She lost friends. And the community that embraced her was the AIDS community. They were the ones who understood. Connie nearly died three times. Yet she is still fighting the fight and for 16 years now has run a camp in central Minnesota for families living with HIV/AIDS. Her camp is one week a year and during that time she offers a week of AIDS education to those who come, and she offers this for free so the cost is not a burden on anyone.
Connie fights her battle every day. Taking 54 pills a day she tells me this past weekend that she thanks God for every morning she wakes up and is able to see the sun shine and walk across a room. When Connie talks, she makes my heart light up, her passion for others is always present in everything she does.
The bike ride raises money so Connie can continue to offer the camp for free. This year she said the camp will have 87 participants, anywhere from children with AIDS, adults with AIDS, to a grandmother whose grandson has AIDS and she wants to be more aware and knowledgeable on this subject.
Connie calls her biking team The Rhino’s “Born tough” is her motto and she really is an incredibly strong woman who has helped so many by her hope and her never give up spirit. Connie has been through it all having AIDS for so long. She has experienced what it was like to be a married woman, with children with AIDS in the early 80’s. She has had a tough walk, but she keeps on going.
Meeting Connie has been such a blessing to me. Spending time talking with the other riders fills my heart to overflowing. What an amazing group of people!
Book Journey 
Wonderful cause…wonderful people involved.
Thanks Gram – they are all wonderful people
What an amazing group of people. Connie’s story is a sad one…I can not imagine.
(And for the record, you are super woman!)
LOL thanks J Kaye. I dont feel like it today 🙂 Now communicating from my lap top in the back of a jeep on my way to the conference. You have to love technology!
thank you for a truly inspiring story……i think i really have nothing to complain about!
it’s interesting….with all the world has going on…..war, the economy, meth…i think aids has gone on the back burner….i can’t remember the last time i read anything of it….thanks for this reminder
Sure Diana 😀
Maybes not superwoman but you are so obviously a very warm, generous person – thanks for this inspiring post, my best wishes to you.
Thanks Petty Witter.
Wow, thanks for sharing Connie’s story – that stopped me in my tracks. What an inspirational woman for having to live through all that for so many years. And what an inspirational woman you are too Sheila – I actually think that secretyly you are Super Woman but, shhhh, I won’t tell anyone 😉
Well done you on your mammoth ride and give yourself a break with the blogging – we’ll all still be here when you get back!
Thanks Book Whisperer, that was nice. I had a blast on the ride and the sun wasnt too horrible … it was overcast so it simmered us not fried. 😀
Unfortunately in my life I’ve had to deal with HIV and AIDS too many times to count. I’ve lost some friends and have others I will lose in the end to this disease and I appreciate anyone who cares enough to do something, anything, about it.
You are an amazing lady and I’m, as always, honored to know you, even if it’s only in the blogosphere.
Ryan as always, you are too sweet!
I loved this story and the reminder that, despite some improvements in medications, etc., AIDS is still very much present and in need of our ongoing support.
What a trooper you are, Sheila, for participating in all these events and doing all you do. Now that’s my definition of Superwoman!
There are certain causes that really touch my heart Laurel (homelessness, poverty, abuse…) and this. 🙂
What a shame that with all we know about AIDS/HIV, there is still such a stigma attached to having it. The victims of this disease have so much to deal with, how can people also shun them? It’s like the Middle Ages and leprosy for Pete’s sake. We need to be better than this.
I agree Barb. Talking with everyone who does the ride and why they do the ride is part of the draw for me. I am hoping to meet with Connie one of these days soon and learn more.
Such an inspiring post!
Thank you Nikola!
This is awesome – RIDE ON! 🙂
Thanks Care! 😀
I think what Connie does is very uplifting. To be going through all that she is and yet gives so much of herself to others going through it. Amazing.
I think so too Zia. She is an inspiring woman.
That’s really awesome what you are doing. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
Sure Nina, Connie’s story needs to be told. 🙂
You are both very inspiring ladies, Sheila!
Thanks Laughingstars66!
Sheila…you do truly own a heart of gold…but maybe now you need a few days off just for you…my husband is in Minnesota today…he goes often for business…there and back the next day usually at least once a week…anyway…take a deep breath and some time for you…you are a whirlwind!!!
Hi Patty! I just needed a little break. All is good. Cool that your hubby was in Minnesota!
I got chills reading your heartwarming post Sheila. I believe God has brought you and Connie together, two incredible women doing incredible things for others. Awesome!
Hi Jill, I think that too – the part about God bringing us together. I am excited already to be a part in next years event.
This was truly an inspiring post Sheila!! Connie is a warrior and there’s a reason why you two have intersected!!
Thank you Staci. 🙂
What an uplifting story at the end of a busy, long and hot day…how can one feel tired and worn out when reading such an inspirational story? Connie is an inspiration to all of us and she is lucky to have so many people who believe in her and her cause. Time for some you-time, Sheila–take a breath and slow down a bit for a few days!
Thanks Linda – I am pretty tired still but have just had a busy start to the week. 😀
Wow! Connie is an amazing woman – even I would try to ride a bike 150 miles for her. You and the other Rhinos totally rock!!
Oh thanks Kathy! Sweet of you to say!
What a bike ride! I can’t think of a better reason to go on such a long ride. Thank you for sharing that story.
Thanks Amused!
I was wondering more about your bike ride. Thank you for sharing and for being such a generous person. Connie is an inspiration and so are you!
Thanks Dianne. It really is all about Connie’s heart for this camp. 😀
I almost cried reading this.
Esme… it is because I biked 150 miles?
Just kidding… 🙂
We all get behind sometimes. I keep worrying about the two reviews I’m behind on. Then I read on someone else’s blog that they were 12 reviews behind. Boy, that made me feel better! So don’t worry about being behind. You’re doing important stuff out there, girl! That is a great cause that you’re riding for.
Life happens Michelle. I have quite a few reviews to write too and honestly have just been tired when I get home. Tonight I hope to get one or two written but really am not going to beat myself up about it. 🙂
Wow, what an amazing story. Glad to hear more about the camp and why you ride.
Thanks Hannah. I really am happy to share Connie’s amazing story.
Hooray for Connie and for you!
Thank you Jill. 🙂
What a great cause. Connie is one special person and tough lady. I am glad she is able to do as much as she is. Things have come a long way since the 1980s, but we still have a long way to go. What a terrible diagnosis. It is even worse because she didn’t do anything to expose herself to it.
She was diagnosed at such a difficult time. Things are better, but victims of this disease are still misunderstood..
I hope the rhino riders did well in their fundraising. Connie’s efforts deserve support.
connie
Pat they did – we made the goal of $15,000. next year I know I can do better to be a bigger part of this amazing event!
What a cool event and what a strong woman Connie is! I volunteered once for AIDS Walk while in high school and this post is just what I needed to read to get involved with another charity for AIDS research! Maybe I’ll try to sign up to volunteer for AIDS walk this year. If she has a website for donations, please post it or tweet me @bowlieb
Carin that is very sweet of you! I have contacted Connie to see what the best way would be to donate and once I have the answer I will Tweet you 😀
What a wonderful and inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it with us and taking the time and energy to do something about it!
Thanks Stacybuckeye…. it had been a real positive experience for me.
I am so very proud of this mother Connie of mine. She really is something…..always fighting for her truth.
Thanks for commenting Rob, she is one amazing woman that is for sure!