Less than 2 weeks to go and it’s wheels down to Ft. Worth!

Each week there is more news, but not every word will always be a bright one. Janice emailed me over the weekend to let me know she won’t be able to join us for the MS150. It is certainly not because she doesn’t want to be there, but a personal matter has come up that she needs to attend to. If I were in her shoes, I would make the same difficult decision. She will be with us in spirit over the MS150 and will remain the honorary team captain for the Texas Irish on this tour. It is not my place to delve into her private matters, I will just say that you can know that this is not an MS related occurrence in her life. All of our thoughts and prayers will be with her as she rises to another of life’s challenges.

Training in Full Gear!

I have done most of my training for this ride in my garage on a trainer and a rowing machine. Sunday I rode 31 miles and this coming weekend I will do a 60 and then a 30 the next day. This tour has been plagued with injury for me, so I have been taking it easier in the past. Rest assured my goal is the same as always, completion.

Getting to Know Janice Part 3

Here are the last few questions I had for Janice regarding her road through diagnosis.

What are you doing to treat your MS?

“I take an injection. I don’t want to give away the brand name, because I don’t think one treatment is necessarily better than the other – I’m also frustrated that these drugs cost so much money. If I did not have insurance, I would not be able to afford the drugs I am on. That is unfair. Especially for people who don’t have insurance. How can they keep the illness at bay if they can’t afford the drugs? That’s my one big beef with the drug companies. I can’t wait til they can come up with a pill. My doctor says that’s not too far off.”

Have you had to change your life plans because of your diagnosis?

“No way! Actually, that’s one thing that has made me want to pursue goals even more. MS is not going to stop me from striving and thriving. Since my diagnosis, I’ve taken classes to become a meteorologist, I’ve gotten married and hopefully we’ll be able to start a family soon too.”

Since you have gone public with your MS, how have things changed for you?

“Not much actually. At first it was a little weird after I went on television. I almost felt a little “naked” – showing such a private part of your life, but I did it for the next person who gets diagnosed and thinks their life is over. If I can be a positive person that continues to live life to the fullest, and someone who has MS sees this, then I can bring a bit of hope back into that person life. I know I needed to see people who had the illness and were doing ok despite the possible setbacks. Attitude is everything. The support has been overwhelming! Especially from complete strangers I’ve never met. (Like you Scott!!) I am humbled by it every day.”

We need to do what we can to help raise awareness and provide support for Janice and all who are diagnosed with MS. Do all you can to spread the word. Without shouting it from the tops of buildings often, the time it will take for us to bring and end to it will be longer, and for those with MS, sooner is better.

Parting Words:

We are almost to the start line for this great event. We are almost 3,500 riders strong and growing every day. My vision is clear and I can see the path ahead of me. I look forward to taking all of you along for the ride!

Please click here to make a donation to help bring an end to MS.

Thank you and I will be back next week!