Every year for the past 6-7 years I  have taken part in the MS Ride either in New Jersey of Delaware. When I started I joined a team called Ansley Photo founded by a man named Kevin Ansley. Kevin was the owner of the photo store, an avid biker, and a man living with Multiple Sclerosis  (MS). Apparently he had ridden this ride for years, but by the time I came along, he was confined to a wheelchair. He could barely talk, but he showed up to urge us on. Kevin died a few years ago and I lost track of the team; I don’t know if they still ride, but I do. Over the years, as I have made this annual appeal for support, I have received messages from old friends who tell me they have been living with MS or they have a loved one who has the disease. This is not some rare disorder; it impacts millions of people and millions more who are caregivers and loved ones.

According to one source, I read, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune disorder that wears away at the coverings that protect the nerve cells. Affecting about 2.5-million people around the world, MS gradually weakens bodily function by attacking the cells of the brain and spinal column. Others would simply say it is their life and the struggle therein.

The money we raise from this ride goes to help individuals struggling with MS and for research to one day provide a cure or at least some treatment that can blunt its deadly deterioration of the body.

So I am riding this year again. Because of COVID-19, this will not be a group ride, but one a friend and I will take together. We plan to ride on the Schuylkill River Trail from Audobon to Reading, Pennsylvania, and back, 40 miles out, and 40 miles back. Usually, the organized ride is 75 miles so this will be a challenge. There will be no organized rest stops and helpful hands along the way, but your support will make the ride worth it. My goal is to raise $700, but I would not mind going way beyond that number. I will be riding on Saturday, September 26, so please donate now.

 Please support me if you can by clicking on this link and giving what you can. You will be riding with me as we work to bring help and relief to all those like Kevin who struggle with MS.

Thank you in advance

s