A team from GCU will participate in the annual Bike MS event hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) Arizona Chapter.
Bike MS 2010 is scheduled for March 27 and 28 in Florence, Ariz. The goal is to raise funds toward finding a cure for MS.
The members of this year’s GCU for Joy team include Eric Liu, Office of Assessment; Brian McGuire, Office of Institutional Research; Kevin Thrasher, Center for Learning Advancement; team captain Jim Helfers, College of Liberal Arts; and Lance Hinderleider, COE Enrollment. There’s room for more to join the team. Participation requires a $75 registration fee and at least $250 in donations.
Bike MS is a two-day event. Cyclists can ride on either day or both, and they can choose any distance from 30 to 160 miles over the two days.
Helfers, a cycling enthusiast, became involved with the event after learning his sister had been diagnosed with MS.
“I believe that this is an important event for GCU, since there are members of the organization who are afflicted with the disease, as well as many of us who have family members who suffer from it,” Helfers says on a fundraising page for the event. “I've ridden four times before in the MS 150, because it allowed me to follow my love of bicycling and do something good at the same time. But now it's personal.”
Helfers says the society helped his sister find financial aid for her treatment. She also was introduced to a horseback riding therapy program, which has kept her involved in an activity she loves.
“All of these excellent support activities have made me want to give back to the society, so that it can help more people like my sister,” Helfers says.
You can contribute to Bike MS in a number of ways – by riding, donating or volunteering. Learn more about the event at Bike MS 2010 – March 27-28.
The GCU for Joy team page, with team and member information as well as opportunities for sponsorship, is available at GCU for Joy – Bike MS 2010.
