#Volunteer Spotlight : National MS Society - @mssociety
An interesting piece of trivia that I find both funny and embarrassing- I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was about 12 years old. I was too engaged in reading and playing sports...or maybe as the younger son my parents thought my brother would teach me. Either way, it took me a while to get used to flying down the street on two wheels.
Fast forward a decade or so. I was talking with a family member at Thanksgiving about his volunteer endeavors and he mentioned his incredible work with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). Before this conversation, I hadn’t known much about MS or what a difficult disease it is to manage.
I realized that I wanted to do something to help.
NMSS is a non-profit organization based in New York City, NY with chapters located throughout the United States. The organization's goal is to improve the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis by funding of research, advocating for social and political change, providing education, and sponsoring programs and services that help people with multiple sclerosis and their families.
Our talk lead into how I could support NMSS’ critical work. It turns out that in the summer, there was a bike ride to support MS research, and my family member was putting together a team. I jumped at his offer to co-captain his efforts; he would spearhead fundraising efforts and I would build the team and do the ride.
I conveniently forgot that I wasn’t a bike rider and that 150 miles on a bike wouldn’t be a ride in the park.
Tour de Farms is a ride that will take you further than you’ve ever gone before. Escaping the daily grind for a weekend of scenic roads with thousands of all ages and abilities. Along the ride there were farm rest stops to hang with the animals, enjoy food and pedal over rolling hills through the Northern Illinois farmland. The weekend would wrap up with a post-ride festival, celebrating with a full meal, live music and a relaxing beer garden.
We cobbled together 15 other brave souls. He went to town on fundraising and set a record of over $100,000.
I got a bike and started pedaling everywhere I could.
The ride weekend came up quickly and somehow the team pulled through. I felt so good and knew we had such incredible support that I and a few of my brave team members opted for a more challenging course and completed nearly 200 miles in 2 days.
It was an incredible experience, and I’m proud to have continued to support this incredible organization. If you ever get the chance, say yes and enjoy the ride.