Multiple Sclerosis...Learn More... and possibly help in the fight!

[Tortures Dionysos]

As you may or may not know, I am riding 150 miles on my bike in May, to raise donations for the MS Society.

Maybe you have someone in your life with MS? Or maybe you have heard about MS? Maybe you just want to do something good for someone else?

Please don't think that this isn't a disease that may not affect you, or someone you love. It occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. Very sad, but true.

You can donate easily online: http://ms150.org/edon.cfm?id=176042

Go here to read more about the ride: www.ms150.org.


FINALLY... Here is what your money will be used to fight:

About Multiple Sclerosis:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often progressive disease of the central nervous system that affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States. MS is not contagious, nor is it fatal, but until a cure is found, people living with the disease may face challenges in daily life, often with increasing limitations.

The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown. It is believed that MS is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, which normally defends the body against viruses and bacteria, attacks its own cells. In the bodies of people with MS, the central nervous system (CNS), composed of the brain, spine, and optic nerves, is attacked. The body uses the nerves of the central nervous system to send and receive electrical messages. These messages control all conscious and unconscious movements. Healthy nerves are insulated by myelin, a fatty substance that helps the messages flow smoothly along the nerve pathways. In people with MS, the myelin breaks down in multiple areas and is replaced by scar tissue called sclerosis that can distort or even block nerve messages. This loss of communication between the brain and the body results in the varied symptoms of MS.

A person with multiple sclerosis may experience a variety of symptoms, including tingling or numbness of body parts; difficulty with speech and walking; blurred or double vision; poor coordination; loss of balance; tremors; and weakness, tightness or spasticity (feelings of stiffness and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms) of the muscles. Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function may occur. Severe cases of MS can result in blindness and partial or complete paralysis. MS may also cause a person to have subtle, "invisible" symptoms, such as pain, extreme fatigue, and cognitive changes such as mood swings, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. MS is an unpredictable disease, and no two cases of multiple sclerosis are the same. These symptoms may appear in any combination, may come and go, and may vary from mild to severe. Symptoms not only vary greatly from person to person, but may also vary from time to time in the same person. Currently, there is no way to predict when or even if symptoms of the disease will occur.

Anyone may develop multiple sclerosis, but some patterns have been discovered among those with the disease. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although in rare cases individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have been diagnosed. Twice as many women as men have MS. Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited. It occurs more commonly among people with northern European ancestry, but people of African, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds are not immune.

Because multiple sclerosis affects individuals so differently, it is difficult to make generalizations about how it affects people living with the disease. Statistics suggest that two out of three people with MS remain able to walk over their lifetimes, but many of them will need a cane or other assistive device. Some people with MS choose to use a scooter or wheelchair to conserve energy. Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease and live full, productive lives. Today, advances in research and treatment are providing hope to those affected by the disease.

To learn more about MS call 1-800-FIGHT MS or visit the National MS Society website.

Im very proud of you Karen for raising awareness for MS. There are so many people in the world and if everyone were to give a little bit of there time, we would live in a much better place.

[Tortures Dionysos]

Thanks!

Now that I don't spend most of my free time promoting... I have time to focus on other things!

Maybe this is something YOU would be interested joining? If you do, we can cruise together... and if you join the team with my apartments... you get a FREE jersey! Nice huh.

You only have to raise $200... and you have until a month after the event to gather all the money. With your church contacts... 20 people at $10 a each... you got it!

To top it off... it's for a great cause... and will be TON OF FUN! Check out the website! (www.ms150.org)

I'm actually taking part in a clinical study of the disease.

Oddly:

My wife's mother's brother and sister have MS.

On my side, my mother's sister had MS. Her son-in-law with whom she lived her final ten years contracted the disease. Then her daughter-in-law contracted it as well. That daughter-in-law's mother also has the disease.

The suspicion is that there may be environmental factors that lead to developing this disease.

How severe the effects are vary from person to person. Generally with a strong support system and positive attitude a high quality of life can be maintained. Absent these features things can deteriorate quickly. The effects can be overwhelming and completely dibilitating.

Thanks Karen for shining a light in this important issue that touches the lives of millions of Americans

[Tortures Dionysos]

Originally Posted by xiannaix

I'm actually taking part in a clinical study of the disease.

Oddly:

My wife's mother's brother and sister have MS.

On my side, my mother's sister had MS. Her son-in-law with whom she lived her final ten years contracted the disease. Then her daughter-in-law contracted it as well. That daughter-in-law's mother also has the disease.

The suspicion is that there may be environmental factors that lead to developing this disease.

How severe the effects are vary from person to person. Generally with a strong support system and positive attitude a high quality of life can be maintained. Absent these features things can deteriorate quickly. The effects can be overwhelming and completely dibilitating.

Thanks Karen for shining a light in this important issue

that touches the lives of millions of Americans

WOW! It has REALLY affected you... close to home. Very sorry to hear about the ones you love being affected by it.

I am also signing up to be a "Pedal Partner"... where I team up with someone who has MS... and I ride for them... take pictures... send them a diary... etc. I think it will put an even more personal touch to what I am doing.

I wish you and yours the best with it.

Originally Posted by Karen

WOW! It has REALLY affected you... close to home. Very sorry to hear about the ones you love being affected by it.

I am also signing up to be a "Pedal Partner"... where I team up with someone who has MS... and I ride for them... take pictures... send them a diary... etc. I think it will put an even more personal touch to what I am doing.

I wish you and yours the best with it.

Nope.... thank you for taking such an active role. I have great respect for people who put their sweat behind their rhetoric.