Team Endurance for MS...THE LOCOMOTIVE!

I'm going fundracing for MS research! Will you help me bring encouragement to the world of MS and beyond? And did I mention there were ENCHILADAS?

My Race:
A few years ago I fell in love with a Triathlon and the people who put it on.  I was invited to Bentonville, AR to race Trifest for MS by a friend of mine who cared passionately about the fight to beat MS.  As I got to know the Rampy Foundation, I also came to passionately care about the fight to beat MS.  I'll be back there this year to once again help in the cause to raise money for research to beat MS! 

My Story
6 foot, roughly teddy-bear shaped.  Growing up I was husky-but always good enough to no get picked last.  My father had been an outstanding athlete (a state champion hurdler and gifted running back) and I had inherited just enough of his athletic genes to not embarrass myself too often on the basketball court.  I'd always been fascinated with triathlon (thanks to Wide World of Sports) and kept telling myself "one day."  And then one day a friend called me on that bluff.  Its been a roller coaster since that day in 2010 when I first participated.  I'm just coming off over a year off from competing in anything running or multisport so the legs are a little wobbly, but I still have the desire in my heart!

My Encouragement
Research costs money.  Plain and simple.  I can't put on a lab coat and grab a microscope.  But I CAN encourage others to donate and fundraise for the wonderful cause.  The Rampy Foundation is 100% dedicated to beating MS, and I'm here to do my part to help.  Okay...and I also do Trifest for the post-race homemade ENCHILADAS!

Dedication
I dedicate my race to my best friend and #1 cheerleader, my Pop.  He's been gone two years now, but I can still feel him every time I race.  I can hear his encouragement keeping me going.  This one's for you, Pop! 

About the 2016 Team Endurance for MS
People with MS endure and encourage us onward, despite circumstances. It is our aim that we capture that spirit and share the encouragement forward through participating in endurance events. No matter what brings us to the starting line, we cheer each other to the finish line - in sport, in health and in life.

How You Can Help

• Donate. Encourage us on with whatever you feel called to give. Consider giving a $1 for every mile I'll complete.

• Share. Read our stories and tell your friends and family about our effort by posting them to Facebook and Twitter.

• Join my fundraiser. Click "create your own fundraiser" and join my fundraising team or create your own fundrace.  

Ironman triathlete, Ryan Dagley, is the 2016 Team Captain. I'm also fundracin' with 50+ other athletes dedicated to this effort! Together, we aim to raise over $30,000 for MS research. How can you use what you do to encourage the world of MS and beyond? Learn how you can get involved.

Know the Numbers

• MS is most commonly diagnosed in young adults.
• 80% of MS patients develop MS between the ages of 16 and 45.
• Women are more frequently diagnosed with MS by at least 2 to 1.
• MS is the leading cause of disability in young women and the second leading cause of disability in young men.
• About 350,000 people live with MS in the United States. 200 new patients are diagnosed, every week. If each person diagnosed has just one family member, friend or caregiver, that's 700,000 people impacted.

About MS
MS is a progressive and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. The severity of the disease and its symptoms vary from person to person. The cause is unknown. There is no known cure--yet.

About the Rampy MS Research Foundation
We bring encouragement to the world of MS and beyond through the power of endurance sports, community and research. You can help. Join us and help change lives to save lives.

Swim. Bike. Run. Encourage!