Date: Fri 07-Aug-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SUZANN

Quick Words:

Reuben-Randall-AIDS-Ride

Full Text:

Taking To The Road To Fight AIDS

(with photo)

BY SUZANNA NYBERG

Most people who actively support causes contribute to those that touch their

lives, but Sandy Hook resident Reuben Randall has invested thousands of hours

in a cause remote from his own existence.

For the past year, he has been cycling for America AIDS Rides, an AIDS

fund-raiser sponsored by Tanqueray's, a German liquor firm. Since its

inception in 1994, the organization has contributed nearly $40 million to AIDS

charities, including clinics and research facilities.

Due to new medical treatments and a significant mortality drop in those with

HIV, Mr Randall believes that the public has become desensitized to the plight

of people suffering with the disease. Because a cure has yet to be found and

because treatment can have devastating side effects, he believes more funding

is necessary for both research and patient care.

Since 1982, more than 300,000 people have died of AIDS in the US, and more

than 500,000 cases have been reported. It is the sixth leading cause of death

among people ages 15-24 and the second leading cause of death for those

between 25-44.

Last year the 24-year-old, an associate consultant with Cendant Mobility in

Danbury, covered 300 miles in three days as he cycled from Orlando to Miami

for AIDS Rides; this year he has increased that distance, cycling more than

350 miles from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC during four hot days. The cycling

and the training have become more difficult with every race north, and he

often feels pushed to the limit. "The hills are tough," he said. "It's not as

easy as the flat terrain of Florida." Despite the arduous course, he manages

to place in the top 10 and top 30 of more than 1,000 cyclists. This September

he will ride another 300 miles in Boston, and in October, he will cycle 600

miles for seven days through the state's major cities. Next year he hopes to

repeat these races, adding to them a race in California.

Several things are curious about Mr Randall's commitment. Prior to his

involvement in cycling for AIDS last year, he had not ridden a bike since

childhood and did not even own a bike. "The first time I did five miles I did

not get up the next day," he said. Now he cycles at least 30 miles a night

after work, completing longer routes on the weekend.

Mr Randall has no background with AIDS. "I have never known someone with

AIDS," he said. "I haven't even known someone who knew someone." Yet he wants

to help those afflicted with the illness solely from a sense of charity. "A

basic rule of life is to give back," he said. "One can't only take, take,

take, but one must also do things that are right." Aware that HIV has the

potential to touch all lives, he recognizes that the illness may one day be a

presence in his life. "Just because AIDS does not affect my life right now

does not mean that I will not know someone who has the virus or even that I

will not contract the disease myself," he said.

Drawn to the grueling activity for the challenge it poses, Mr Randall feels a

deep sense of achievement with each race completed. In Washington, it was both

raining and unbearably hot; people suffering from dehydration had to be hooked

up to IVs, and yet the young man kept pushing himself. "Despite the pain,

doubts, and deep desire to walk up the hill, I knew that I could not give up,"

he said.

Mr Randall, who has also cycled on behalf of multiple sclerosis, needs to

raise $6,000 in pledges this fall. Those interested in sponsoring him may

contact him at Cendant, 40 Apple Ridge Road, Danbury. The phone number is

203/796-6836.