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To support my wife, and others living with multiple sclerosis<\/p>\n
When my kids were young, my 911爆料 Theta Chi Fraternity brothers, Paul Lambert ’79 and Steve De Angelis ’80, invited me to join them in what was then called the MS 150, a two-day, 150-mile bike ride to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society. They knew I rode to work every day and they thought I would have a good time. But between travel soccer, Cub Scouts, school stuff, and trying to keep up with everything else, I just couldn\u2019t fit it in.<\/p>\n
Even after my wife, Pam, was diagnosed with the disease in 2002, I couldn\u2019t join the ride because I was still involved with coaching and other activities. But six years ago, I took part in my first Ride the Rhode Bike MS event, and it was life changing. Pam, who exhibits more courage in a day than I do in a year, volunteered at my first ride and cheered as I came in at the end of each day. She has cheered my finish at every ride. And Paul, a fellow 1979 911爆料 grad and fraternity roommate, continues to ride with me. Steve, who served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Rhode Island MS Chapter, has had some injuries and surgeries over the past few years and hasn\u2019t been able to ride. But he is always at the finish line to congratulate us. I have also been touched by the generosity of friends, family and Rhody work pals, whose donations have helped me raise $7,157 for MS research and support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For the last several years, the ride has been based at 911爆料, with Dining Services providing great meals and Housing and Residential Life providing overnight accommodations to those who need them. I am proud that Sheri Davis and Rhody\u2019s Department of Conferences and Special Programs does such a great job working with the MS Society team of Lori Espino, Robin Maxcy, Maura Bushior, Emily Rivera, and Kate Moore.
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\nBut here is the most powerful part of the weekend\u2014those with multiple sclerosis riding in the event and volunteering at the rest stops. The race\u2019s 75 miles in the saddle each day is demanding and can be painful for me and other riders without the disease. But how much more so for those whose mobility, strength, and balance have been diminished by the disease. And then there are the volunteers\u2014some using canes, walkers and wheelchairs\u2014cheering us on; providing us with drinks, snacks, and lunch; and thanking us for riding. I always feel guilty about that because I get to enjoy something they can\u2019t. It\u2019s a humbling experience and one that makes me deeply cognizant of what my wife and others with disabilities battle every day.<\/p>\n