Train. Race. Give.

This is what we do - all in the name of MS research. We call it fundracin' and you can help.  

I have been fortunate to be involved with fundraising for MS for over 25 years!  In the early 90s, I rode in my first MS 150 bike ride in Kansas City.  To be honest, when I signed up for the first ride, it was less about raising money, and more about a challenging 150 mile bike ride.  However, it didn't take long for me to reset the purpose of what I was doing and why.  Over the course of the training and the ride, we had opportunities to see and hear from people who were impacted by this debiliating disease.

What struck me then was the SPIRIT and the gratitude of those impacted.  They were positive, appreciative, and dedicated to finding a cure.  They didn't want anyone to feel "sorry" for them.  Instead, they wanted to make sure our energy and focus was on finding a cure.  I rode and supported the MS 150 ride in Kansas City for the next few years until we moved away.

Fast forward to a few years ago, and I heard about this "movement" that was taking over Northwest Arkansas called the Rampy MS Research Foundation.  I had the opportunity to meet the Rampy's and support the Foundation a couple of years ago when I raced in the Kansas Half Ironman.  Once you meet the Rampy's, you can't help but get excited about helping them raise awareness and money to find a cure.  Jo has the title of CEO-Chief Encouragement Officer, and there is no better title in the world!  Her encouragement in Kansas definitely helped me finish the race.  However, the part of that encouragement that stands out to me is the COURAGE part.  Jo is the epitome of COURAGE in how she lives her life.  It is my pleasure to again be a part of the Rampy Team Endurance, and I am honored to be raising money for their Foundation.  

I am grateful to be able to compete in endurance races, and feel it is a priviledge to give back to a charity that is working so hard to find a cure for this disease.  I know that we all have many opportunities to give to several worthy causes.  I hope you will consider sponsoring me in this event and for this cause.

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.

Support 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.

Team Endurance for MS is an endurance sports team organized by the Rampy MS Research Foundation. Anyone can join the team. You name the race, and we support it! Currently, we offer participation in four ways:

When you join the team, you commit to a fundraising minimum. Upon joining, we connect you with fellow team members and help equip you with fundraising tips and tools. Oh ya, we also hook you up with some cool swag!

Ironman triathlete, Ryan Dagly, 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.

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!