The 24th annual MS150 City to Shore Bike Tour was held Sept. 18 and 19. The benefit is held once every year in order to raise money for this autoimmune disorder to hopefully find a cure.
Someone may become affected with this disease at any point in his or her life and the exact cause is unknown. My Aunt is wheelchair bound due to this disorder and has given me reason for wanted to learn more about it. She was first stricken with the disorder in her early 20’s. The disease went into remission, and reemerged two decades later and is progressively worsening.
A normal functioning immune system defends the body against viruses or bacteria, and in autoimmune disorders the body attacks its own tissue, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The MS150 City to Shore Bike Tour is an extremely successful benefit that raised over $45 million in 2003, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The MS Society offers over 100 tours in 48 states. Family members of mine participate in the City to Shore Bike Tour every year and my dad has been doing so for 15 years.
The City to Shore Bike Tour begins in Cherry Hill, N.J. and finishes in Ocean City, N.J. 75 miles later. On the second day of the tour, riders return the 75 miles back to Cherry Hill.
Junior Cabrini student, Pat Downs, was one rider who participated in the ride for the first time and said, “I had never been interested in learning about Multiple Sclerosis until this ride and it was really cool that there were thousands of people all there for the same cause. Also, it was a very challenging ride.”
My dad, a participant, said, “I enjoy challenging myself physically and mentally. Hopefully we will be bale to find a cure for this disease as it strikes people down in their prime. I give thanks for my health as I ride for those who cannot walk.”
Although most riders had a positive experience riding this year, there was one unfortunate case in which a 53-year-old man died due to a massive heart attack at mile 58 on the first day of the bike tour. The man supposedly had been training for the bike ride throughout the summer and had an okay from his doctor to participate in the ride, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Fortunately all other riders completed the ride safely.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is grateful that along with everyone’s help and support they have been able to raise money for this cause. They are hoping to raise even more donations in an attempt to cure this unfortunate disorder that affects so many people of all ages.
Posted the web by Cecelia Francisco
