As the weather turns cooler, the days get shorter and we set our clocks back it reminds us that we are entering the time of year when we spend time with family & friends and reflect on the year past. For some I am sure it was a year filled with joy, for some it was a year filled with challenges and for others it was a year filled with loss. Whether your year was one of joy, challenge or loss remember, that there are those struggling everyday with the simple things; the things we take for granted.
I received some information from Mark Roeder, the President of the Maryland Chapter of the National MS Society. Mark shared with me that there was a reduction in state funding of the MD Chapter this past year of $700,000! This has forced major cutbacks and has drastically impacted the Chapter’s ability to provide necessary services. He is very concerned that as the weather turns colder, the Chapter will not be able to keep up with the increased requests from families seeking financial assistance for medical transportation, emergency equipment repairs or energy bills. Mark has made a special request this year. He has asked team members to begin fundraising now in order to provide funds for those families struggling with MS as the weather turns cold and the holiday season gets into full swing. I am asking you to help as Team CardioSmart gears up for its 4th year of participation in the Chesapeake Challenge offered by the National MS Society, Maryland Chapter. Please help make this the best fundraising year yet!
I am often asked why I ride each year. Imagine being a high school football star and being recruited to play football at the collegiate level. Then imagine playing on a collegiate team that was one of the best teams that University ever had put on the field. You were playing along side athletes that went on to not only play in the NFL, but who excelled at their positions and became NFL Champions and who are among the best to ever play those positions. Now, imagine having to give yourself frequent injections, imagine not being able to walk without difficulty and with the assistance of a cane. Multiple Sclerosis knows no boundaries; Multiple Sclerosis does not discriminate. I know this first hand as my brother-in-law has been fighting the disease for a number of years. My brother-on-law was that star athlete that played a sport at it highest level. A level that very few of us are ever able to experience. This is why I ride. This is why I train. This is why I ride 150 miles in two days. This is why I raise money for the Maryland MS Society. I know that a cure may not be found in time to help him, but I do know this; a cure will be found. Maybe not in 2011, maybe not by 2015, but one will be found.
Last year Team CardioSmart completed the MS Chesapeake Challenge for the 3rd year in a row. While we had the fewest team members of the 3 years that we have been participating, the team still raised $13,791 for the MD MS Society for 2010!! Bike and Walk combined we placed 9th overall & the “walkers” finished in the Top Ten for the Walk Teams. In the past 3 years, Team CardioSmart has raised nearly $47,000 for the MD MS Society.
Please help Team CardioSmart exceed a total of $70,000 raised to fight MS. You can help by donating now and getting Team CardioSmart off to an early start to help Maryland families this winter and holiday season. Every dollar raised this time of year will allow a family to enjoy this holiday season without having to worry about medical transportation, medical equipment or heating bills. Remember, your donation made before 1/1/2011 is tax deductible. If you donated to Team CardioSmart last spring, I thank you for your support and ask you to consider another donation for the 2011 fundraising campaign.
Please visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/raimist2011 to make a secure, online donation. You can also send a check, made payable to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to my address 324 Copper Oaks Drive Woodsboro Maryland 21798. I will ensure that your contribution is credited appropriately.
Thank you in advance and I will keep you updated on Team CardioSmart.
David
Team CardioSmart Team Captain
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