A Volunteer’s Need
to Say, “Thank You!”

 MS*150

May 3-4, 2008

by Tamiko (Tami) Ryan

Diagnosed October 2005

I wanted to submit a “THANK YOU” for the riders of the MS150. I participated for the first time as a volunteer in the MS150 that took place in Texas over the weekend and I wanted to thank the riders and encourage more people to volunteer.  I was so impressed with the amount of support from so many people.

Thank you for making it possible to get our words out there . . .

    How do you describe “exuberant”? Hopefully this word describes how I feel about volunteering for the MS*150.  So many bikes – so many people all here for me. They may never see me again, or I them, but they are here for me– Many of them still trying to make their way to their bikes at 6:00 a.m. I am a MS Chipper greeter, thanking them for riding, truly meaning it from the depths of my soul, wondering why they would themselves want to ride a bike for 150 miles for me. Some sponsored bikers were clearly equipped for the long haul others seemed just happy to be there, their own mini Tour de France so to speak. Me, I am just excited they are riding for me.
     There were other volunteers, young and old with friends, family members, and support groups etc, all just as excited about the event. In many ways, MS has been a blessing – strange for me to use such a term but a blessing is the only way I can describe this.  See, I never volunteered for anything that centered around my life. There was always a cause that I could support with time or money, but this – this is personal.  The wave of bikes were ridden by people who are helping me fight this battle, a battle all to often many think they are battling alone. Get up at 4:30 a.m. to trek to Texas Motor Speedway and you will see you are not alone.  Michael, from accounting in the Houston office;  Lee, Director of the Carrolton office, the luggage handlers, the servers, the night time bike watchers all of them are supporting us in this battle. Now, I am in on the fight as well –not just from my computer.  I am at the front gate welcoming, thanking and giving smiles to as many people who will look my way.

      Get out there to see your support by volunteering your time.  It is a great way to experience MS through the eyes of others who do live with the disease.  They take great pleasure in seeing you because it is you that they are riding to help.  My favorite saying could not be put to use more than at any other time than the MS*150, “Enjoy the Ride.”

            To the many riders, “THANK YOU. ”

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