"If you find it in your heart
to care for somebody else,
you will have succeeded."
--Maya Angelou

"The important thing is not to
stop questioning."
--Albert Einstein

Prevention Message

Making a Difference

In June 2001, just seven months after his HIV diagnosis, Thomas participated in his first California AIDS Ride, a seven-day, 600-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that raises funds and awareness for regional HIV/AIDS service providers. The experience was so powerful that in May of the following year, Thomas participated in the inaugural AIDS/LifeCycle event, another 7 day and 600-mile journey between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Combined, Thomas has cycled nearly 1,200 miles and rose over $15,000 to help increase awareness of the AIDS pandemic.
Thomas’ love of the arts led to his involvement in various San Francisco Bay Area organizations that combine performance with building awareness around HIV and AIDS. While on the Board of Directors of the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation (REAF), Thomas helped manage the organization’s “Help is on the Way” celebrity events that have raised over $1 million for area HIV/AIDS organizations. These experiences also afforded Thomas the opportunity to work with many dedicated celebrities, including Rita Moreno, Bonnie Raitt, Lily Tomlin, Rod McKuen, Carol Channing, Bruce Vilanch and Sally Struthers.

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Focusing on Youth

Early Life and Professional Career