Why We Ride

 

As Captain, Ted Higginson, of the Healy/Oliveira Team, I would like to mention why we ride.  I was diagnosed with HIV in 1990.  I am considered a “Long Term Survivor”.  Dealing with and managing the disease has been a challenge and continues to be.  I wish this upon no one.  My ultimate death will be from some other aliment other than HIV/AIDS related.  On a lighter note, do not be afraid of touching or hugging me.  With the advances of medications, I have what is called an “undetectable viral load”, and am not contagious.

Jeffrey S. Healey died of complications of AIDS in 1991.  He was smart and engaging.  He had a knack at bringing out the best in people.  The six plus years we spent together was like the blink of an eye.

John K. Oliveira died of complications of HIV in 2005.  He was by far the kindest and gentlest man I have every met.  Our twelve years together was unfairly much too short.

Losing these two special men has left a black hole that I have never been able to fill.

It is something I have just have come to acknowledge and accept. Defiantly, one of life’s biggest challenges.

All I want is the cure and my loved ones/friends back.  But to keep it real, I will settle for the cure.

WE RIDE FOR THE CURE.

Best, Ted

PS: The children in the pictures are Kevin and Chris Wright.   They are Ted’s nephews who are now 27 and 29 years old.