"We want all of our supporters and event participants to know that the National MS Society is the very best investment to find MS solutions."

Instead of taking a country hike, do it by bike. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Louisiana will hold their 30th annual Bike MS: Louisiana on October 5-6.

The two-day, 150-mile ride takes place between Hammond, La., and McComb, Miss..

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although it also can affect children. Women are diagnosed two to three times more often than men. MS is a chronic disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. As the disease attacks the central nervous system, it damages or destroys myelin and scar tissue (sclerosis) is formed. Each person has different symptoms of MS and a different degree of severity.

We want all of our supporters and event participants to know that the National MS Society is the very best investment to find MS solutions, said Rebecca Pennington, Louisiana vice president for development. We fund more MS research than any patient group in the world; have paved the way for 13 FDA-approved MS therapies; have led global efforts in gender, genetics and nervous system repair, including myelin repair and progressive MS; have utilized the best scientific review and management process; have set the standards in diagnosis, symptom management, stem cell research, clinical trial strategies, complementary and alternative medicine, pediatric MS and rehabilitation research; and have added more than 800 scientists to the MS research field.

Cyclists can accept the challenge and join the movement to eliminate MS. The NMSS: Louisiana has a goal of raising $800,000 through race sponsorships.

The statewide Louisiana Ride will begin and end at Southeastern Louisiana Universitys University Center. Breakfast and registration will begin at 6 a.m. on October 5, with the ride starting at 8 a.m. Rest stops will be located every 10 to 12 miles along the route and Support and Gear vehicles will be present between the stops. There will be a party and awards ceremony at Percy Quin State Park in McComb that night, with awards presented for Top Individual Fundraiser, Top Fundraising Team, Top Fundraising Average by a Team, Best Team Spirit, Best Decorated Team Tent and Best Team Jersey.

The registration fee for Bike MS: Louisiana is $40 per person, or $50 per person on race day. Cyclists must raise a minimum of $275 from sponsors. To register, go online to http://www.bikemslouisiana.org, or call 800.344.4867. Online registration will end Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. On-site registration can be done on Oct. 4 between 5-7 p.m., at the kick-off celebration, or on Oct. 5 from 6-8 a.m. Those who are ages 12-16 need a notarized waiver and parental supervision to participate.

The cycling event also needs volunteers to assist in both Hammond and McComb each day, as well as at rest stops along the cycling route. To volunteer, call 504.322.3779 for information or to sign up.

Transportation will be provided for those cyclists who decide to stay at a hotel in McComb and overnight storage will be provided for their bicycles. Transportation also will be available for those who only want to take part in one day of the event.

Excerpt from:
Bike 150 miles in two days to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research

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