We're an interesting bunch, ALC Team PHX. We come from all over, but we all landed in this hot sandbox. We're AIDS LifeCycle cyclists and roadies. Some of us have been at this for awhile, others are new... We all kick ass. We ride the flats. We eat mountains for breakfast. We would pedal through sleet and snow... If we had weather here. Hot is how we roll.
We love the AIDS LifeCycle community. We respect and honor those among us living with HIV and AIDS. We want to bring an end to this horrible disease.
That's why we ride.
ALC Team PHX Roster - Member biographies are below.
Dan Maxey
Tyler TerMeer
Scott Brown
Tracy Geiger
Alex Gannon
Shannon Sesterhenn
Cynthia Snapp
Ian Christiansen
Adam Pinti
Warren Moody
DAN MAXEY
LAGLC Cyclist #1325 - ALC Rider since 2008
2010 Baby Dragon 180 Ride Cyclist
AIDS LifeCycle Training Ride Leader
2010 Baby Dragon 180 Ride Cyclist
AIDS LifeCycle Training Ride Leader
Click here to join I SUPPORT DAN MAXEY - AIDS/LifeCycle 10 Rider # 1325 on Facebook
Dan is participating in his fourth AIDS LifeCycle. He participated in his first ALC after moving to Phoenix, Arizona from Arlington, Virginia. The ride was planned to be the final event in an adventurous journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. His participation in the ride throughout the years that followed changed the way he thought about HIV/AIDS awareness, the importance of HIV/AIDS services and outreach, and the exemplary model of community represented by AIDS LifeCycle.
Dan's life has been touched by so many people who are living with HIV and AIDS. It is his hope that his participation in AIDS LifeCycle will honor their struggles, bring a renewed awareness of HIV and AIDS to the general public, and help to provide services to support people living with HIV and AIDS.
Dan's favorite quote, from an essay written by Aung San Suu Kyi, is particularly relevant to his participation in AIDS LifeCycle:
"It is his capacity for self-improvement and self-redemption which most distinguishes man from the mere brute. At the root of human responsibility is the concept of perfection, the urge to achieve it, the intelligence to find a path towards it, and the will to follow that path if not to the end at least the distance needed to rise above individual limitations and environmental impediments. It is man's vision of a world fit for rational, civilized humanity which leads him to dare and to suffer to build societies free from want and fear."It is Dan's hope that his efforts to support AIDS LifeCycle will contribute to eliminating stigma for men and women living with HIV and AIDS, supporting those men and women in their desire to live happy and healthy lives, and ultimately finding a cure for HIV and AIDS. Until there is a cure, Dan hopes that he can work to ensure that people living with HIV and AIDS are able to access health care services, mental health and wellness counseling, and medication in a manner that treats them with dignity and respect. He also hopes that outreach through testing and prevention efforts will help to slow the spread of HIV and AIDS, particularly among high-risk communities.
Dan - and the rest of the AIDS LifeCycle community - needs your help to make this hope a reality. Please contribute today by visiting his official AIDS/LifeCycle contribution site.
Thank you and peace be with you.
TYLER TERMEER
LAGLC Rider #1313 - ALC Rider since 2009
Positive Pedalers Board Member
AIDS LifeCycle Training Ride Leader (DC area)
In each individuals journey with HIV they come to a crossroads where they must decide whether they will be defined by the virus with which they are living or if they will define HIV in their life.
Since my HIV Positive diagnosis in the spring of 2004, I have committed myself to advocating for the rights of young people everywhere using my face and personal story as an educational tool and resource in hopes of inspiring other young HIV Positive individuals to live each day to it's fullest!
I have defined HIV's role in my existence.
In 2009 I embarked on my first AIDS LifeCycle Journey and it changed my life forever. You hear people say that phrase, but until you truly have an experience that is indescribable by words its hard explain. The community of people that is AIDS LifeCycle is unlike anything I've experienced. The support, the love, and the passion for the cause keeps you dedicated every mile of the ride and every other training day of the year.
2010 brought my 2nd ALC experience and I was excited that my sister Stephanie TerMeer and Best Friend joined Dan and I on the Road. I have seen the change in both of them as a result of this experience that is truly indescribable.
My work in the field of HIV/AIDS in Phoenix at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS has brought me to a new level of commitment in this fight and I've again set my sight on the ALC experience.
From June 5-11, 2011, I continue my journey with HIV as I bicycle in AIDS LifeCycle for the third time.
I have recently accepted a new position in Washington DC with the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, but I am honored to remain a member of TEAM PHX.
I have a lot of training to do over the next few months, and now without my teammates, but it is with your support both in friendship and financially that I will successfully reach this milestone.
We'll keep riding until there is a cure...
Positive Pedalers Board Member
AIDS LifeCycle Training Ride Leader (DC area)
Click here to visit Tyler TerMeer's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Click here to join I SUPPORT TYLER TERMEER- AIDS LIFECYCLE 9 RIDER #1229 on Facebook
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Click here to join I SUPPORT TYLER TERMEER- AIDS LIFECYCLE 9 RIDER #1229 on Facebook
In each individuals journey with HIV they come to a crossroads where they must decide whether they will be defined by the virus with which they are living or if they will define HIV in their life.
Since my HIV Positive diagnosis in the spring of 2004, I have committed myself to advocating for the rights of young people everywhere using my face and personal story as an educational tool and resource in hopes of inspiring other young HIV Positive individuals to live each day to it's fullest!
I have defined HIV's role in my existence.
In 2009 I embarked on my first AIDS LifeCycle Journey and it changed my life forever. You hear people say that phrase, but until you truly have an experience that is indescribable by words its hard explain. The community of people that is AIDS LifeCycle is unlike anything I've experienced. The support, the love, and the passion for the cause keeps you dedicated every mile of the ride and every other training day of the year.
2010 brought my 2nd ALC experience and I was excited that my sister Stephanie TerMeer and Best Friend joined Dan and I on the Road. I have seen the change in both of them as a result of this experience that is truly indescribable.
My work in the field of HIV/AIDS in Phoenix at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS has brought me to a new level of commitment in this fight and I've again set my sight on the ALC experience.
From June 5-11, 2011, I continue my journey with HIV as I bicycle in AIDS LifeCycle for the third time.
I have recently accepted a new position in Washington DC with the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, but I am honored to remain a member of TEAM PHX.
I have a lot of training to do over the next few months, and now without my teammates, but it is with your support both in friendship and financially that I will successfully reach this milestone.
We'll keep riding until there is a cure...
LAGLC Cyclist #1387 - ALC Rider since 2010
Click here to visit Scott Brown's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Click here to join I SUPPORT SCOTTY B IN AIDS/LIFECYCLE 9 - A 545 MILE JOURNEY on Facebook
I am participating in my first AIDS/LifeCycle ride this June. One of the first conversations that my classmate and good friend, Dan Maxey, and I had was about ALC. I didn’t know a lot about the ride, but I sensed from Dan’s enthusiasm that it was something worth looking into. Unfortunately, I wasn’t into road biking at the time, but I shared the information with Tyler TerMeer who is an avid cyclist. Last year, Dan and Tyler rode together in what they call “An experience of a lifetime.” After listening to their experiences, looking at pictures from their ride, and hearing stories about their encounters with spectators, I knew this was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. So here I am, now with a bike, and ready to embark on a journey rich in pride, passion, and a commitment to helping people living with HIV/AIDS.
For the first time two years ago, I met someone living with HIV. I must confess, at the time of this encounter I was uneducated on the virus and its implications. After all, HIV and AIDS were merely a known phenomena growing up in a small town in Northwest Ohio. However, that conversation two years ago has followed me along my journey to Phoenix and has impacted me to this very day. Since that conversation with now one of my best friends, I have a better understanding on the historical, political, and social contexts of HIV and AIDS. Most importantly, though, that conversation has led to an enduring relationship that is fueled with passion for making a difference in the world. Therefore, I am riding for everyone who is living with HIV or AIDS. I am riding for those who have a brother, sister, friend, mom, dad, or even coworker living with HIV or AIDS. And most of all, I am riding for my best friend.
LAGLC Cyclist #1309 - First-Time ALC Rider
Click here to visit Scott Brown's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Click here to join I SUPPORT SCOTTY B IN AIDS/LIFECYCLE 9 - A 545 MILE JOURNEY on Facebook
I am participating in my first AIDS/LifeCycle ride this June. One of the first conversations that my classmate and good friend, Dan Maxey, and I had was about ALC. I didn’t know a lot about the ride, but I sensed from Dan’s enthusiasm that it was something worth looking into. Unfortunately, I wasn’t into road biking at the time, but I shared the information with Tyler TerMeer who is an avid cyclist. Last year, Dan and Tyler rode together in what they call “An experience of a lifetime.” After listening to their experiences, looking at pictures from their ride, and hearing stories about their encounters with spectators, I knew this was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. So here I am, now with a bike, and ready to embark on a journey rich in pride, passion, and a commitment to helping people living with HIV/AIDS.
For the first time two years ago, I met someone living with HIV. I must confess, at the time of this encounter I was uneducated on the virus and its implications. After all, HIV and AIDS were merely a known phenomena growing up in a small town in Northwest Ohio. However, that conversation two years ago has followed me along my journey to Phoenix and has impacted me to this very day. Since that conversation with now one of my best friends, I have a better understanding on the historical, political, and social contexts of HIV and AIDS. Most importantly, though, that conversation has led to an enduring relationship that is fueled with passion for making a difference in the world. Therefore, I am riding for everyone who is living with HIV or AIDS. I am riding for those who have a brother, sister, friend, mom, dad, or even coworker living with HIV or AIDS. And most of all, I am riding for my best friend.
LAGLC Cyclist #1309 - First-Time ALC Rider
Click here to visit Tracy Geiger's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Tracy is a New Jersey native who learned about AIDS/Lifecycle from Dan Maxey, a colleague in her graduate program at Arizona State University. Dan spoke about how amazing of an experience it is--the community, the physical challenge, and the power of completing such a huge journey for those that are suffering from HIV/AIDS. However, as a first time rider, the physical challenge of training for and finishing AIDS/Lifecycle is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The mileage, the hills, and the concept of sitting on my bike for hours all seem daunting.
After thinking about the impact of the journey (and a little nudge from Dan and her partner, Alex, also a first-time rider), Tracy decided that all of the challenges of the ride would be well worth it. When the training seems overwhelming and impossible, Tracy remembers the end goal of riding to help those who live with HIV/AIDS on a daily basis by riding to provide people with access to lifesaving medications, treatment, and support.
Click here to visit Alex Gannon's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
I am excited to be participating in my first AIDS/Lifecycle this year, and decided to join after hearing about the experience from fellow Team PHX member Dan Maxey.
I am both excited and nervous to tackle a feat as huge as AIDS/Lifecycle. As a native to the northeast, the oppressive heat out here in Phoenix seems overwhelming. However, like with many other "causes" I take on, after reflecting on the suffering of the people I am fighting for, I remember that the hardships of others goes far deeper than being sweaty and uncomfortable.
My passion for fighting for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment began with a simple fascination with retroviruses. I actually remember first time I learned about HIV and how it functions. I was in Mrs. Weichmann's Honors Biology class in 9th grade. And as I was sitting there, learning about it in my textbook, I realized that HIV simply fascinated me. A fiesty and tricky little bugger that worms its way in, bridging gaps in routine replication with reverse transcriptase. I have wanted to be a doctor since I was a little girl, and ever since that 9th grade Biology class, I have had a strong desire to treat people living with HIV/AIDS.
Most academic pursuits in my life are purely that--academic. However, as I learned more and gained more experience with patients who are HIV positive, the passion became much more emotional. I read books by Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician that practices in both Boston, Massachusetts and Port au Prince, Haiti. I read feverishly about how he was told to give extremely different prognoses and treatment plans to his patients in Boston and Port au Prince who had the same disease. Same disease. Different outcome. Simply put--the patients in Boston would live a full and normal life, because they had money. Those in lower socioeconomic classes were told they should expect to die.
I ride because somewhere between the pages of " Infections and Inequalities" by Paul Farmer, I learned that I do not feel comfortable sitting by while health disparities expand. I learned what it is like to care for people, not just biological machines with a virus. Every time I shadow in an AIDS Clinic, whether it is oriented towards GLBTQ individuals, children, or the general population, I remind myself (and the providers I'm working with) that these individuals are not just statistics. They're children, brothers, sisters, parents, spouses, friends. And they could be your loved one at any time. Heck, they could be you.
Most importantly, I ride because somewhere along my journey, I learned that I want to stand up for what is right and for those who cannot stand up for themselves. One mile, one city a time.
We'll keep riding until there's a cure...
Click here to visit Shannon Sesterhenn's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Shannon is originally from Rockford, IL and moved to Phoenix, AZ ten years ago. Although Shannon is a first time rider in the AIDS Lifecycle ride to end AIDS, she did ride in the Twin Cities-Chicago AIDS ride in 1999. After riding over 500 miles she was certain NEVER to sit on a bicycle seat again or even drink another bottle of Gatorade, for that matter! Shannon met a lot of wonderful people along the Twin Cities-Chicago ride and was inspired by all who rode, especially the Positive Pedalers , who showed her everyday their strength and courage along the route. The hills and valleys along the ride metaphorically represent the challenges and successes among those living with AIDS.
While society and medicine have come a long way in AIDS prevention and treatment programs, there is still a long road ahead. With the wonderful support of my teammates and partner, Cynthia Snapp, who is volunteering for AIDS Lifecyle, I look forward to riding in ALC-10. The camaraderie, the community and lifelong friendships are some of the things that I look forward to long the ride.
I would like to thank Dan Maxey for his enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the ALC. Dan’s enthusiasm is contagious and his support is unwavering. I hope I still like him after our training rides! J While I ride to show my support to a worthy organization, most importantly, I ride for those who are living with AIDS and hope that we find a cure for this disease.
AIDS LifeCycle 10 Roadie
More content COMING SOON!
LAGLC Cyclist #1614 - First-Time ALC Rider
Click here to visit Ian Christiansen's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Ian originally hails from Phoenix, Arizona, but has spent a lot of time living in other places, such at Pittsburgh, Australia, California, and most recently, New York. After many travels, Ian has found himself back in his hometown continuing his work as a professional actor, and running a monthly Cabaret show in the arts district for various local charities.
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Tracy is a New Jersey native who learned about AIDS/Lifecycle from Dan Maxey, a colleague in her graduate program at Arizona State University. Dan spoke about how amazing of an experience it is--the community, the physical challenge, and the power of completing such a huge journey for those that are suffering from HIV/AIDS. However, as a first time rider, the physical challenge of training for and finishing AIDS/Lifecycle is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The mileage, the hills, and the concept of sitting on my bike for hours all seem daunting.
After thinking about the impact of the journey (and a little nudge from Dan and her partner, Alex, also a first-time rider), Tracy decided that all of the challenges of the ride would be well worth it. When the training seems overwhelming and impossible, Tracy remembers the end goal of riding to help those who live with HIV/AIDS on a daily basis by riding to provide people with access to lifesaving medications, treatment, and support.
We'll keep riding until there's a cure...
ALEX GANNON
LAGLC Cyclist #1310 - First-Time ALC RiderClick here to visit Alex Gannon's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
I am excited to be participating in my first AIDS/Lifecycle this year, and decided to join after hearing about the experience from fellow Team PHX member Dan Maxey.
I am both excited and nervous to tackle a feat as huge as AIDS/Lifecycle. As a native to the northeast, the oppressive heat out here in Phoenix seems overwhelming. However, like with many other "causes" I take on, after reflecting on the suffering of the people I am fighting for, I remember that the hardships of others goes far deeper than being sweaty and uncomfortable.
My passion for fighting for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment began with a simple fascination with retroviruses. I actually remember first time I learned about HIV and how it functions. I was in Mrs. Weichmann's Honors Biology class in 9th grade. And as I was sitting there, learning about it in my textbook, I realized that HIV simply fascinated me. A fiesty and tricky little bugger that worms its way in, bridging gaps in routine replication with reverse transcriptase. I have wanted to be a doctor since I was a little girl, and ever since that 9th grade Biology class, I have had a strong desire to treat people living with HIV/AIDS.
Most academic pursuits in my life are purely that--academic. However, as I learned more and gained more experience with patients who are HIV positive, the passion became much more emotional. I read books by Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician that practices in both Boston, Massachusetts and Port au Prince, Haiti. I read feverishly about how he was told to give extremely different prognoses and treatment plans to his patients in Boston and Port au Prince who had the same disease. Same disease. Different outcome. Simply put--the patients in Boston would live a full and normal life, because they had money. Those in lower socioeconomic classes were told they should expect to die.
I ride because somewhere between the pages of " Infections and Inequalities" by Paul Farmer, I learned that I do not feel comfortable sitting by while health disparities expand. I learned what it is like to care for people, not just biological machines with a virus. Every time I shadow in an AIDS Clinic, whether it is oriented towards GLBTQ individuals, children, or the general population, I remind myself (and the providers I'm working with) that these individuals are not just statistics. They're children, brothers, sisters, parents, spouses, friends. And they could be your loved one at any time. Heck, they could be you.
Most importantly, I ride because somewhere along my journey, I learned that I want to stand up for what is right and for those who cannot stand up for themselves. One mile, one city a time.
We'll keep riding until there's a cure...
SHANNON SESTERHENN
LAGLC Cyclist #1527 - First-Time ALC RiderClick here to visit Shannon Sesterhenn's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Shannon is originally from Rockford, IL and moved to Phoenix, AZ ten years ago. Although Shannon is a first time rider in the AIDS Lifecycle ride to end AIDS, she did ride in the Twin Cities-Chicago AIDS ride in 1999. After riding over 500 miles she was certain NEVER to sit on a bicycle seat again or even drink another bottle of Gatorade, for that matter! Shannon met a lot of wonderful people along the Twin Cities-Chicago ride and was inspired by all who rode, especially the Positive Pedalers , who showed her everyday their strength and courage along the route. The hills and valleys along the ride metaphorically represent the challenges and successes among those living with AIDS.
While society and medicine have come a long way in AIDS prevention and treatment programs, there is still a long road ahead. With the wonderful support of my teammates and partner, Cynthia Snapp, who is volunteering for AIDS Lifecyle, I look forward to riding in ALC-10. The camaraderie, the community and lifelong friendships are some of the things that I look forward to long the ride.
I would like to thank Dan Maxey for his enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the ALC. Dan’s enthusiasm is contagious and his support is unwavering. I hope I still like him after our training rides! J While I ride to show my support to a worthy organization, most importantly, I ride for those who are living with AIDS and hope that we find a cure for this disease.
CYNTHIA SNAPP
More content COMING SOON!
IAN CHRISTIANSEN
Click here to visit Ian Christiansen's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Ian originally hails from Phoenix, Arizona, but has spent a lot of time living in other places, such at Pittsburgh, Australia, California, and most recently, New York. After many travels, Ian has found himself back in his hometown continuing his work as a professional actor, and running a monthly Cabaret show in the arts district for various local charities.
Having a number of friends in the arts who are living with HIV, Ian feels especially privileged and energized to make this his first ride with ALC to support them and thousands of others affected by the virus. He’s proud to be a new member of Team PHX, and hopes his participation in the ride will inspire others to join in the coming years – much like the inspiring and encouraging words of his friends and team-mates Dan Maxey and Scott Brown led him to register for the 2011 ride. Ian will probably be the first on the team to purchase his red dress, promises to ride hard with his head held high, and will be thinking of Andre, Ed, Kenneth, Scotty P., Andre H., and other dear friends and family.
ADAM PINTI
Click here to visit Adam Pinti's official AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising page
Print a contribution form to donate by check/US Mail
Adam's main form of transportation is cycling. When he moved from Pennsylvania to Phoenix in 2008, he ditched his car and shipped his bike; it's been two wheels for Adam ever since. What started as a pragmatic decision - "there's no way I can afford a car in grad school" - became a passion. (Since the move, Adam's purchased two new bikes, and he rides everyday.)
For Adam, Phoenix is a passionate place. When, in early 2008, he was recruited for the School of Theatre & Film's MFA in Performance at Arizona State University, he took it as serendipity: he had not been to Phoenix since a family trip in the late 1980s, and, as a result, that trip occupied a very special place in his memory. Shortly after the trip, in 1989, he was told his father was HIV+. Dennis Pinti survived the disease for four years, and then passed in 1993.
The loss of his father meant the loss of many cherished parts of childhood, including learning to ride a bike. In fact, Adam didn't learn until he was 11 or 12. His brother taught him in the grass of their front yard. And he was definitely not a natural.
But, after many years and a challenging process of dealing with the loss of his father, Adam was give the opportunity to return to Phoenix, which also provided the opportunity to pursue his passion for performance and to find his father in the place he loved to remember him. Adam used the move to set new goals and make new challenges for himself, including leading a healthier, happier, more active lifestyle. When he left the car in PA and got on the bike in AZ, Adam found an energy similar to that of a child's: wondrous, boundless, pure. Moving to Phoenix allowed Adam to gain a new perspective on loss, and mourning, and strength, and spirituality.
Adam rides for his father everyday; AIDS/LifeCycle is the opportunity to to ride for all those affected by HIV and AIDS, and to share his passion with others. It's the opportunity to find the energy that surges inside and among all of us, and to use that energy for hope and for healing.
LAGLC Cyclist - First-Time ALC Rider
More content COMING SOON!
Adam rides for his father everyday; AIDS/LifeCycle is the opportunity to to ride for all those affected by HIV and AIDS, and to share his passion with others. It's the opportunity to find the energy that surges inside and among all of us, and to use that energy for hope and for healing.
WARREN MOODY
More content COMING SOON!
