I spent almost 20 years as a visitor to the Florida Keys and dreamed about creating a life at the end of the road. Five years ago I finally packed my bags, put myself and my German Shepherd (Czar) on a plane, and moved to Key West permanently.

After spending most my professional career as a science and math teacher, as well as a corporate educator for medical and nutrition companies, I now lead a more relaxed lifestyle as a design consultant for Fast Bucks At Home and East Meets West Imports. The eclectic array of people, the acceptance of being who you need to be, and the weather are what make this island so appealing.

Today's stigma and complacency surrounding HIV and AIDS are two vital reasons I have entered this campaign to become King of Fantasy Fest 2013. My greatest motivation to raising funds for AIDS Help throughout this eight week campaign (August 23 - October 18) will be to take on the role as a temporary Ambassador of Change. I will be striving to become a voice of change in the attitude, the importance of bringing this disease back to the forefront of our minds, and the courage that envelops the face of AIDS and what it looks like today. I hope to help initiate a new way our community views the face of AIDS.

The fight against AIDS is not over and as new problems arise we must join together to support one another in education, daily life, and love.

Although it is not my main reason for making this commitment, my desire to become your King of Fantasy Fest 2013 and the competitive nature of this fundraising venture are forces that will drive me do the best job that I possibly can for this campaign. I ask that you Beard Up! and join my initiatives throughout this eight week fundraising endeavour to raise awareness and as much money as possible for AIDS Help.

For information about who I am, where I have come from, and my concerns for the new Face of AIDS. or the struggles that AIDS Help faces in the near future....

visit my bio page @ aidshelp.cc and please make a donation to my efforts--every dollar does count!!

Thank you for your support--Shane