We ride because we want to help, know someone who suffers or suffered, or can simply see the reality that getting on a bike, would be gift from God for many of those with MS.
We ride for those who used to, may not be able to now, but will never give up believing that they can again.
Having multiple sclerosis means that you may suddenly have blurry vision. Or that your memory will fail you for no apparent reason. Or that you may not always be able to walk, let alone ride a bike. The symptoms of MS are different, and devastating, for everyone - the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.
The number of people living with multiple sclerosis increases every hour of every day. This astonishing rate is not going to diminish, nor will it stop, until we've found a cure. Research has made some incredible advances recently, but the world can still only offer disease management drugs and therapies to the 400,000 people living with MS in America.
We've formed a team for Bike MS because we know that riding is nowhere near as difficult as confronting a lifetime with multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society gives us all reason to hope, though. In addition to supporting novel research projects around the globe, they also provide much needed education, programs, and services to everyone who is affected by MS - including the diagnosed, their friends and families, and the healthcare professionals who work with them.
Join Sal's Squad 2009 as a cyclist or a volunteer! Make a donation online! Send in a check! Talk to your employer about becoming a sponsor of Bike MS! There are so many ways to make a difference and it all begins right here.