The BP MS 150 Bike Tour is a two-day 150 mile cycling adventure from Houston to Austin that raises funds to help people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
MS affects the neurons in the areas of the brain and spinal cord known as the white matter. These cells carry signals in between the grey matter areas, where the processing is done, and between these and the rest of the body. More specifically, MS destroys oligodendrocytes which are the cells responsible for creating and maintaining a fatty layer, known as the myelin sheath, which helps the neurons carry electrical signals. MS results in a thinning or complete loss of myelin and, less frequently, the cutting (transection) of the neuron’s extensions or axons. When the myelin is lost, the neurons can no longer effectively conduct their electrical signals. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the scars (scleroses – better known as plaques or lesions) in the white matter. Loss of myelin in these lesions causes some of the symptoms, which vary widely depending upon which signals are interrupted. However, more advanced forms of imaging are now showing that much of the damage happens outside these regions. Almost any neurological symptom can accompany the disease.
Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
The MS 150 consists of thousands of riders who are sponsored by corporations, friends, family, neighbors, and people just like yourself.
The goal of every MS 150 rider is to raise a minimum of $400. This is my first ride, and I’m sure that with the help or readers around the globe, I can easily meet $1000. I’m not asking for any large donations. With enough people, $1 and $2 donations will meet my goal raising $1000 for MS in no time!
Want to feel like you did something today? Want to make a contribution of pure greatness to your fellow man? Want to help someone in need without having to leave your home? Perfect! So do I. Help me make a difference by making a small contribution to the 2008 BP MS150 fundraiser. Donate through the link below.
http://www.ms150.org/edon.cfm?id=214136
