I am riding in the BP MS 150 for the third time this year, and I could use your help. Every hour, someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Every year, the National MS Society organizes a two-day bike ride from Houston to Austin to raise awareness and funds to fuel research aimed at treating and eventually curing MS.
When I was 16 years old, I volunteered at Tully Stadium to help the organizers with parking. Seeing an event this large get put together was amazing, and it made me happy to think some day I’d ride in it. I volunteered again the following year, and this time I saw the riders start on the day of the ride and I was simply awestruck. I set a goal for myself to ride it before I was 30–the kind of thing 17-year olds do. But when my 30th birthday came and I still had not ridden, I set out to do it that year. I got on my mountain bike and went for a ride around the neighborhood, and very quickly realized this wasn’t something you could jump on a bike and do overnight–at least that wasn’t something I could do. It would cost time, money and sweat that I didn’t have to spare, so I said well, maybe next year.
Then I was diagnosed with diabetes. It turned out to be something of a false alarm, but it was a wake-up call. Riding the MS 150 wasn’t just about helping the millions of people around the world that suffer from multiple sclerosis–it was about helping myself get healthier and live longer. It was about helping Jack by setting a good example, and showing him that we find time for things that are worth doing. So in 2013, along with a group of coworkers, I trained for and participated in this ride, and it was truly a life changing experience. And I did it while I was still 30, so it was an item scratched off the bucket list.
The thing about bucket lists, though, is that you can always add to it. I rode again last year, but had to quit 30 miles short of the finish line because of an accident. So I have been training again this year. Jack, who is 11 now, comes out to practice with me some times. He even rode 20 miles with me during the Tour de Houston ride!
With your support, I hope to raise $5,000 towards the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s ambitious goal of $15 million. To make things interesting, Amber and I will match every dollar raised through this fundraiser. We’re getting things started with $500 today.
Click here to donate online, or if you prefer, send your check payable to the National MS Society – P.O. Box 4125 – Houston, TX 77210-4125. Be sure to write “Dhwanit Shah – BP MS 150” in the memo section of your check.
Your contribution funds crucial MS research and helps families with MS lead powerful lives. More importantly, every dollar I raise is another reason for me to keep going when I feel like quitting over the 150 miles. I appreciate your support and promise to let you know how the ride goes.