After 25 years raising money for people with HIV and AIDS, ride could be last for MN man

Eden Prairie Resident’s Final Ride for Cause

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. No Poverty
2. Good Health and Well-being
3. Reduced Inequalities
4. Partnerships for the Goals

Bill Middeke, an Eden Prairie resident, is preparing to embark on a 150-mile bike ride over the course of two days for the Red Ribbon Ride this weekend. This year’s ride holds special significance for Middeke as it marks his 25th year participating in the event. However, he is filled with mixed emotions as he contemplates the possibility that this may be his last ride.

Middeke’s journey began in 1999 when his best friend from his Air Force days tested positive for HIV. Motivated by this personal connection, he decided to participate in his first AIDS ride. Over the past 25 years, Middeke has cycled thousands of miles, taking part in various AIDS rides such as the Twin Cities, Wisconsin, Chicago AIDS Ride, and the Heartland AIDS ride. He eventually became involved in the Red Ribbon Ride, using these opportunities to raise funds to support individuals living with HIV and AIDS.

Reflecting on his experiences, Middeke highlights the sense of camaraderie among participants and the lasting friendships he has formed. The ride has become more than just an annual event; it has created a community of individuals united by a common cause. Middeke has even earned the nickname “duck guy” for his tradition of distributing rubber ducks for good luck during the ride.

At 75 years old, Middeke acknowledges that he is the oldest cyclist in the group. Considering the constant need to fundraise, he contemplates making this year’s ride his last. Despite this, Middeke remains committed to his goal of raising $150,000, as he has currently raised $148,000 over the years. Achieving this target would allow him to potentially return for another ride in the future.

As Middeke prepares for what may be his final ride, he expresses gratitude for the memories he has made and the impact he has had on the cause. He recognizes the importance of his involvement and acknowledges that he will miss it when he eventually decides to step back.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses Bill Middeke’s participation in AIDS rides and his efforts to raise funds for people living with HIV and AIDS. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all, including combating diseases such as AIDS. Additionally, the article mentions the Red Ribbon Ride, which involves partnerships between individuals, organizations, and communities to support the cause, connecting to SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are Target 3.3, which focuses on ending the AIDS epidemic, and Target 17.17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to the identified targets. However, Indicator 3.3.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.3 by tracking the number of new HIV infections. Indicator 17.17.1 can measure progress towards Target 17.17 by monitoring the amount of financial commitment to public-private partnerships.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: fox9.com

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