SF-based Pinay cyclist dies raising funds for AIDS education

SAN FRANCISCO — Edna Flores-Lagunte lived to give back every way she could. She died doing exactly what she loved to do — making a difference for those who need it most.

Last month, the altruist hopped on her bike for the 13th year she had been riding with the AIDS/LifeCyle (ALC), a seven-day, 545-mile trek from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  

"Yes folks, I am at it again for the 13th time (I consider 13 lucky this time only)," the avid cyclist said on her website as she braced for the June 1-7 ride to raise $10,000 for one of her favorite causes.

"'One wish that I have for myself is that one day, when my husband Rich and I have children, there will be no more AIDS," she shared her goal on the site.  

"I have heard stories about the days when the AIDS pandemic was taking lives left and right. I have met people who have lost friends and partners. I have friends who live with HIV and AIDS day in and day out from those newly diagnosed to those who are long-time survivors. These seven days on AIDS/ LifeCycle provided me with those things and a whole lot more."

Midway into the journey, the activist suffered a heart attack and died four days later.
 
The Filipina Women's Network in its June communication broke the news to its members worldwide.

"Beloved and valued longtime FWN member Edna Flores-Lagunte passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014 after suffering from a heart attack last Wednesday, June 4th," the organization board of directors and members disclosed.

Flores-Lagunte was a proud promoter of sisterhood, the FWN statement stressed, remembering her as a "young and beautiful Filipina who always carried a smile and a cheerful disposition."

"Edna was an active and spirited member of FWN, always supporting our many causes and volunteering or attending our events for many, many years," the largest professional association of women of Philippine ancestry in the United States said in appreciation of its departed member for "giving selflessly to others modeling for us what life on this earth is truly about."

"Edna Flores-Lagunte described herself as 'a 30-something first-generation Pilipina American (manueuvering) through life and the City' via her roadbike, her running shoes, her ambitious nature and stubborn yet loving heart while baking a nice humble pie for all depending on the season," Beverly Sotelo said in her fundraiser for Flores-Lagunte's survivors on www.youcare.com.

"She made her husband Richard Lagunte so very happy that to the day she passed, he still celebrated month-anniversaries with her - complete with her favorite candy Reese's Peanut Butter cups."

Sotelo said Flores-Lagunte's husband "is devastated and will need support as he creates a life without her by his side."

Flores-Lagunte aimed to raise $10,000, which donors, including "an anonymous fan" who gave $1000, have exceeded.  To date her site has received $15,051.91 for AIDS/HIV education through two beneficiaries.

"The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV services of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, beneficiaries of AIDS/ LifeCycle are working hard to make that wish a reality by educating others about the disease, giving those with HIV and AIDS access to care and medicine needed for them to live, and rallying local, state and federal government officials to make sure public policy regarding HIV and AIDS benefits those affected by the disease," the advocate said on her site.

The next journey is scheduled for May 31-June 6, 2015.

"Every year, this landmark ride through beautiful California delivers a life-changing experience for thousands of participants from all backgrounds and fitness levels united by a common desire to do something heroic," organizers promise.

To learn more about ALC, visit http://www.aidslifecycle.org/.

To reach out to Ms. Flores-Lagunite's family, click here. — Philippine News