In 2007, Bike the US for MS began when Donald Fraser and three friends toured from Washington to Maine with fully loaded bikes, raising funds and awareness for MS research along the route. Inspired by his mother Nina who has battled Multiple Sclerosis his entire life, Don created Bike the US for MS as a non-profit cycling/volunteer service organization that could directly make a difference while simultaneously spreading hope. Now in the middle of the group's third annual coast to coast adventure, Bike the US for MS has continued to expand in size and scope as 25 bikers approach San Francisco, California this summer following the Trans-America trail that began in Yorktown, Virginia on June 1. Thus far on this trip alone, only a quarter of the way across the country, this team has raised almost $90,000 and that amount will hopefully continue to grow. The funds raised by this year's Bike the US for MS team will help the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis clinic in Charlottesville, VA. This clinic is only MS specific clinic in the region.
In addition to fundraising and spreading the movement, Bike the US for MS focuses on volunteering for individuals and communities affected by MS. As they bike and throughout the year, the team rakes leaves, builds wheel chair accessible ramps and does whatever else they can to make a difference. The group often partners with National MS Society chapters to effectively reach and aid the varying needs of the MS community. Bike the US for MS is about being a part of the larger community, binding people together through our concerted efforts, and realizing how much our individual efforts matter to individuals and their communities. This volunteer aspect of the organization is the root of my dedication to the group.
MS is not a disease that can be battled alone. As a Bike the US for MS 2010 team member, 2009 alum, executive board member, and friend of the founder, I have first-hand watched and felt the powerful nationwide impact that MS can have not only upon those individuals living with MS but also the family and friends that surround them. Whether in Virginia or Kansas, it takes many hands and many hearts to combat the toll that MS can take. Despite being unwelcome to everyone affected by the disease, MS does have that one positive effect of bringing people together as they work toward a common goal. So as we strive to be a part of the movement and end MS, it is important to remember that although a cure can't be found without research and funding, it also can't be found without community support and a willingness to unite against the disease.
It will take much more than a cross country bike ride to overcome this disease, but every mile of every trip brings us one step closer, and nothing is impossible when people join forces together, choosing to make a difference.
In addition to fundraising and spreading the movement, Bike the US for MS focuses on volunteering for individuals and communities affected by MS. As they bike and throughout the year, the team rakes leaves, builds wheel chair accessible ramps and does whatever else they can to make a difference. The group often partners with National MS Society chapters to effectively reach and aid the varying needs of the MS community. Bike the US for MS is about being a part of the larger community, binding people together through our concerted efforts, and realizing how much our individual efforts matter to individuals and their communities. This volunteer aspect of the organization is the root of my dedication to the group.
MS is not a disease that can be battled alone. As a Bike the US for MS 2010 team member, 2009 alum, executive board member, and friend of the founder, I have first-hand watched and felt the powerful nationwide impact that MS can have not only upon those individuals living with MS but also the family and friends that surround them. Whether in Virginia or Kansas, it takes many hands and many hearts to combat the toll that MS can take. Despite being unwelcome to everyone affected by the disease, MS does have that one positive effect of bringing people together as they work toward a common goal. So as we strive to be a part of the movement and end MS, it is important to remember that although a cure can't be found without research and funding, it also can't be found without community support and a willingness to unite against the disease.
It will take much more than a cross country bike ride to overcome this disease, but every mile of every trip brings us one step closer, and nothing is impossible when people join forces together, choosing to make a difference.
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