This October, I’m joining my fellow MS Global fundraising riders in Tucson, Arizona, to bike over 300 miles in seven days and raise $210,000 for families living with MS. 

Many of you know from the previous fundraising rides I’ve done that this feels personal to me. I began riding for MS in about 2004 in honor of Lisa K., a friend diagnosed just after we finished grad school. In the intervening years, through riding and just everyday life, I’ve met and become friends with others: Pat P., Karen “Little Hudie” H., Jimmie D., Paige S., Alicia H. And I just keep learning of more friends and acquaintances with diagnoses, like the husband of Amy L., a former student; and Christine S., wife of a friend I rode with to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

My guess is that, even if you don’t know it, you have folks in your social circle who have, or have been touched by, MS, too. That’s one of the crazy things about MS – it impacts people in varying ways, from very noticeable to not noticeable at all. I have friends with MS who have almost no physical limitations, even without meds, as well as friends who, even with serious long-term meds, face ongoing physical decline of their legs, hands, and even eyesight.

Varying symptoms aside, there are at least two outstanding things that all of my friends with MS share: strength and perseverance. I’m constantly in awe of their willingness to face this disease head-on, every day, and to embrace their life and loved ones with the most amazing spirit.   

My friends are just a few of the nearly 1 million people living with MS in the US, and they need our support more than ever. 

100% of every dollar raised from my ride will go directly towards MS Global Scholarships at Can Do MS. These critical funds go straight to work, delivering health and wellness education programs to people living with MS and their support partners at no cost. 

People like Rachel...

“Now, I have a better quality of life. I am moving more. I listen to my body more. Most importantly, I’m not living in fear. I CAN continue to be the loving, adventurous, and charismatic woman I was before my MS. You gave me a light and at one of the darkest times in my life! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

Will you consider donating to my MS Global campaign?  A gift of any amount will help make a life-changing difference for folks with MS, like my friends and yours. 

Thank you, and pedal on!

~ Kathie