Please read this....and support as you can. I know times are tough...but every little bit helps!!

(direct link to my personal page: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/CALBikeEvents?px=4348408&...)

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in January 2008. I never thought I’d be sending out a plea asking for support for a cause that personally affects me. But here I am – asking you to reach into your wallets to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Last year I was too sick to participate in the MS Bike Ride….but this year, thanks to an experimental treatment, I am healthy enough to be a part of the ride. This year I will attempt the 60 mile ride on October 3, 2009.
MS is a rotten disease.

There is no standard progression of the disease; some days I do not know what to expect. Will I have double vision? Will the vertigo be bad enough that I can’t drive again? Will I need my cane to walk? Will the heat outside cause all of my symptoms to flare up today? Will the fatigue be so bad that I can’t hold up my head? I live with these questions daily.

Currently there is no cure for MS. One of the many things that the MS Society does is provide funding for research and experimental treatments (like the one I received). They also provide support, education, and programs for those of us living with MS.

While there is no cure, there is still hope. Hope that comes from you generously donating to the cause.

The cause allows me to get on my bike and train. I can use the treadmill and cross-trainer, too. A year ago, I was walking with a cane and could barely stand without tipping over. This past May, I underwent a second round of experimental chemotherapy, in hopes of silencing the MS. But my struggle is not over. I still have occasional MS symptoms (such as dizziness and double vision).

I do not know the long term outcome for this treatment – but I am not going to sit around and wait…I am actively fighting this disease…and now I invite you to fight with me.

1. Donate what you can. I know times are tough…but no donation is too small – so don’t feel badly if you don’t have a lot to give. (Also – the donation is 100% tax deductible…so, give it to a good cause or give it to uncle sam next april!)…

2. Get on your bike and ride – the MS Ride has a 15 mile ride option.

3. Come out to Ventura on October 3rd and support all of the riders (and me!)

4. Most importantly – pass this email on to your friends and family and ask them to help the cause. In case you’re looking at #2 and thinking – “I can’t ride a bike” – well, you probably can. I never rode a bike (after I was 12!)…and here I am, hitting the road and riding 30 miles in an afternoon!

Thank you for your time and generosity!!
xo,
~Keri

Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/CALBikeEvents?px=4348408&...

Click here to view the team page for Team Lost and Damaged
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/CALBikeEvents?team_id=148...

Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).