Photo By Staff Sgt. Jessica Prestenbach | Louisiana National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Bryan Lowery, a supply sergeant for the 1022nd...... read more read more
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NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana National Guardsmen from the 1022nd Vertical Engineer Company, 527th Engineer Battalion, rode in the 2010 Bike MS: Louisiana Ride to raise money for multiple sclerosis, Oct. 2-3.
The 150-mile ride is a fundraising event supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for family support programs and research of multiple sclerosis.
Three of the participating Guardsmen rode in 2009, as well.
“Last year we were looking to do a biking event,” said 1st Sgt. Alan Knight. “I found out about Bike MS, and it seemed like a great idea.”
Knight said he talked three other soldiers into participating in the fundraiser this year.
“I get to do something I enjoy while raising money for a great cause,” he continued. “We had no idea how huge this ride is. There were a couple thousand people riding.”
Each biker rides 75 miles a day and must raise a minimum of 250 dollars. The donations go towards running free and nominal-fee MS programs such as counseling, self-help groups, help with medical equipment, information about MS and referral to professionals specializing in MS. The donations are also a large part of funding for research in finding a cure.
“This year we have a team of six National Guard riders,” said Staff Sgt. Bryan Lowery, a veteran participant. “Between all of us, we raised about $2,000.”
MS is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system and is thought to be an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the coating of the spinal cord. The disease can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, blindness and more.
Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and nearly 2.1 million people are afflicted worldwide.
“My uncle was diagnosed with MS,” said Sgt. Matthew Maggio. “Sometimes he can’t walk for days or weeks, or he will go blind for a month. It is really hard for him and hard for the family to see him go through this.”
“As a guardsman I want to help people,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dorian Brumley. “Seeing MS hit home for someone I know gave me the extra motivation to finish this.”
“Our hope is to do this every year,” said Knight. “This time next year we will be deployed overseas. I know we have other guardsmen that will step up and continue this new tradition.”
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2010 12:17 |
| Story ID: | 58188 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Guardsmen bike 150 miles for MS: 1022nd Vertical Engineer Company Soldiers ride to fight multiple sclerosis, by SSG Jessica Prestenbach, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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