I’m delighted to share that Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs has once again been selected as a beneficiary of the 2026 Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk, hosted by Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers. This is wonderful news for LKAPS and a meaningful recognition of our work supporting HIV long-term survivors and people aging with HIV.
Last year, LKAPS received a $2,500 grant from the Pride Run. Those funds helped us continue providing programs that create opportunities for connection, fellowship, and mutual support. We are grateful to Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers for once again including LKAPS among this year’s beneficiaries.
Now it is our turn to help make this year’s event a success.
Whether you are an experienced runner, an occasional walker, or simply want to support LKAPS, I invite you to join our team. On the registration form, the LKAPS team is listed as “Let’s Kick Ass PS.” You can register for the Run and Walk, join our team, or make a donation at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-2134621?raceId=181670
Those who are unable to participate can still help by donating, sharing information about the Pride Run with friends and family, encouraging others to join our team, or volunteering on the day of the event. Every registration, donation, and volunteer helps strengthen the event and increase support for its beneficiary organizations.
I also want to share an important update about the LKAPS Roundtable. Our in-person Thursday discussion group now meets at the Mizell Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. The day and time remain unchanged: Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. When you arrive, please check in at the lobby front desk to verify which room the group will be meeting in that evening.
Thank you for being part of LKAPS and for continuing to show up for one another. I look forward to seeing Team LKAPS represented again at this year’s Pride Run and Walk.
Warmly, Jax
Jax Kelly, President Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) JaxKelly@lkaps.org
A Personal Update from Jax Kelly
Many of you know me through my service as president of Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs. I wanted this community to hear directly from me that I have filed to represent District 1 on the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board of Directors.
My work with LKAPS has taught me how much strong communities matter. Long-term survivors have built networks of care, advocacy, friendship, and resilience, often while navigating systems that were not designed with us in mind. That experience has shaped how I think about public health, aging, community partnership, and the responsibility to make sure people are seen and heard.
I am running because I believe good public service requires preparation, thoughtful questions, careful listening, and responsible stewardship of public resources. My experience also includes service on the Riverside County Advisory Council on Aging, leadership of Aging and HIV Institute, and prior service as a trustee and treasurer of the Palm Springs Public Library Board.
I am currently in Brazil for the International AIDS Conference, where I am continuing to learn about developments affecting people living and aging with HIV. After I return, I look forward to sharing some of what I learned with the LKAPS community.
I am planning to launch the campaign publicly after the filing period closes and I return to Palm Springs on August 10. In the meantime, more information about my candidacy and background is available at DavidJaxKelly.com.
Thank you for the trust, friendship, and community we have built together.
Jax
This announcement is a personal message from Jax Kelly and is provided for informational purposes. Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs does not endorse candidates for public office.
Social Events
Thank You for Your Generous Support!
Thank you to the following community members for organizing Facebook fundraisers for LKAPS and for your generous donations:
David Keesey
Tony Romano
Danny Kopelson
Robert Raiser
Your support directly funds vital community programs, including our FREE Bowling, Dine Around, and the annual National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day Dinner.
We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you!
Social Committee Meeting via Zoom. Wednesday, August 12th @ 5:00 PM Join Here!
The Roundtable
The Roundtable is our weekly drop-in discussion group, where we make connections and build community through conversation. Peer coordinators facilitate discussions of topics both serious and fun that include and allow everyone to participate.
Got a topic that’s been on your mind? Send your idea to the roundtable team and join the conversation!
SUMMER ISHERE! So, the ONLINE Roundtable will meet MONTHLY on the LAST Tuesday ONLY.
August 2026 Topics:
August 6 – It could be said that long term HIV survivors have a super power. How is that showing up for you?
August 13 – Whether you relate to the gay, HIV+, or another community, do you ever feel that you’re not a part of that community?
August 20 – Have you ever suffered from survivor’s guilt? And if not, have you ever felt guilty about not feeling guilty? Or maybe just felt puzzled about it?
August 27 – What have been some milestones in your life this year? Have you accomplished them through your own effort or fortunate happenstance?
**BONUS TOPIC** TUESDAY August 25 ONLINE – What have you done recently to improve the quality of your life?
Mizell Center 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Get Directions
If you would like assistance with Zoom or a ride to the Thursday meeting, please email the roundtable team
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Our community is built on the strength of our shared history. “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is our dedicated space for members to share their personal HIV journeys—the challenges, the triumphs, and the resilience that defines us as long-term survivors.
Read & Submit: You can read the latest stories from your fellow members and submit your own story online all in one place. You don’t have to be a professional writer to participate; your voice and your journey are what matter most. Sharing your story helps ensure that no one in our community feels they are walking this path alone. Share your story here!
LKAPS Coffee
Sunday, August 2 – 10:00 AM
Ristretto, an easygoing cafe for coffee, tea & pastries plus sandwiches & salads in a casual storefront. There is plenty of parking in their lot.
Palm Springs Lanes 68051 Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Potluck/Pool Party
Sunday, August 30th – 5:00 PM
Paul Kowal will be hosting the Potluck/Pool Party for August. Bring a dish to share and towel and bathing suit! Parking in the Cul de Sac but be mindful of the neighbors’ driveways.
LKAPS Coffee
Sunday, August 16 – 10:00 AM
Ristretto, an easygoing cafe for coffee, tea & pastries plus sandwiches & salads in a casual storefront. There is plenty of parking in their lot.
Ristretto 500 S Palm Canyon Dr #100, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Community Events
Pals Circle
Every Monday 6 – 7 PM
Circle is an informal weekly zoom drop-in for connection and support. There is no agenda, no topic – like getting together at grandmother’s house every week. Enjoy! It’s powerful.
A Death Café is a group-led open conversation about death and dying. It is not counseling or a bereavement group; and there is no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes.
The United States Conference on HIV/AIDS is seeking volunteers for its September 17–20 conference at the Hilton Anaheim.
Volunteers can select assignments totaling up to eight hours. Those who volunteer for a full eight hours are eligible to attend the entire conference and its events at no charge. Travel and lodging are not provided, and preference will be given to volunteers from California.
TM courses are offered about once/month in Palm Springs, for those living with HIV (and their caregivers) the course fees are fully covered by grants and scholarships. There’s no charge to participate.
Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#SHAAD) August 20th Purpose: Launched by the Southern AIDS Coalition, this day highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV in the U.S. South. It aims to address regional health disparities, reduce stigma, expand access to testing, and connect individuals to prevention and medical care.
National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NFHAAD) August 30th This observance engages faith communities across different denominations to join forces in HIV education, prevention, treatment, and support. It encourages religious leaders and local congregations to play an active role in fighting stigma, supporting those living with HIV, and advocating for resources.
Donate your HIV Meds
Donate your not needed HIV Meds at the Positive Life Series monthly. Bring your not needed HIV meds to the Positive Life Series (The first Tuesday of the Month) and give to Jeff Taylor. They are donated to an HIV Clinic in Mexico.
You don’t have to receive ALL emails from lkaps.org. You can choose which ones you would like by updating your email preferences. You can also update your phone number and your birthdate along with whether you would like to be included in the directory. There is always a link at the bottom of every email.
Submit to the Newsletter
Anyone is welcome to submit ideas, stories, photos and videos related to social connection, education, and advocacy for people aging with HIV to our monthly newsletter. Please send to news@lkaps.org by the 25th for inclusion in the following month’s newsletter.
Support LKAPS
Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs sponsors inclusive social activities for people deeply affected by HIV. We are all races, genders, HIV+ and HIV-. Some of our members are outgoing, others are introverted or have been isolated. There are no requirements about participation, we encourage you to come out and meet us.
