Bike MS: Pedal to the Point 2010 SPINNERS FOR THE CURE
Author: cathy spicker 
Day in and day out, Christopher Spicker is a hard working, tax paying, average Joe, during the week. But, on the weekends he transforms into a hard core bicycle riding machine with a purpose. 15 years ago, Christopher's brother, Karl, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis aka MS. Nothing can make you feel more helpless than to only be able to watch the effects MS takes on its victims. So when the opportunity came along to participate by riding in the National MS Society Fundraiser event, Bike MS: Pedal to the Point, Christopher joined Karl's wife Anne Spicker, who rode alone 2 years ago in this event, and started the team, Spinners for the Cure, last year. 12 family members and friends rode the 150 mile, in 2 day, course from Middleburg Heights to Sandusky, Ohio and back in the grueling hot and humid weather to raise $20,286.00. This year the team has grown to 21 family members and friends, with a fundraising goal of $30,000.00.
Karl can only walk with the assistance of a cane, and attended this event last year in a wheel chair, greeting EVERY team member, at EVERY rest stop, to support and assure every member of the Spinners for the Cure that they could finish this very difficult feat. Heart breaking enough, do to different reasons...some members were just a few miles short of the finish and had to stop, there wasn't a dry eye to be found when they were brought in by the support vehicles, and vowing to finish "next year". After 130-140 miles, one of Christopher's brothers' had to make his 16 year old daughter, Brittany, stop because, even though she was bound and determined to cross the finish line, he had to make the tough decision and take her off the road as she was suffering from the heat exhaustion and a strained leg muscle. I can only assume that that is one of the many reasons why, somehow Karl has found the strength to take on the MS bike challenge this year with a customized tricycle…
Karl says, "I want to do something for the people who have been diagnosed, because I want to do everything possible to prevent more people from learning what it means to live with this disease and to show my appreciation and admiration to those who've already ridden or supported us, to those who have done so much already for this cause. God willing, I intend to be with them this year, every mile that he will grant me!"
It's not just the fun of riding in extremely hot and humid temperatures that keeps Christopher going back for more. For the cost of the travel to Ohio, the time off of work, not to mention his own donations, Christopher could easily make a sizable donation in lieu of the trip, but what he has experienced with his team mates, and seeing what it means to his brother Karl, brings so much more to the game than just a bike ride or fundraising event, it brings hope to his brother.
What sets Spinners for the Cure apart from the other teams, is that not only are there 7 Spicker's riding in honor of their brother Karl, 5 of which are siblings, but other family members and friends along with support crew are coming from as far away as Georgia, Indiana, California, and all over Ohio! Christopher and his wife, drive about 40+ hours, and 2,500 miles to reach the starting line of this event. This amazing family, and friends, are dedicated to riding for those who are suffering, will suffer from, and have suffered the pains and trials of Multiple Sclerosis. There are over 400,000.00 people in the United States alone that endure the complications of MS, something for which there is no known cure as of this writing, no known reason for how it comes to be apart of so many lives.
With the monies from this fundraising effort, research can be furthered, counseling can be had, ramps can be built and so many dreams can be reached for future generations, so that one day no one will ever hear the words again…you have MS.
On August 14th & 15th, in a little town in Ohio, 1,641 bicyclists will be riding for one reason, to help stop MS. Encouraged by the generous donations, prayers, and good wishes for a safe journey, each rider will strive forward to the finish line to experience one of the most emotional moment of their lives. Christopher has made a personal challenge to ride an additional 25 miles on the first day if he meets his fundraising goal. If you would like to help support this cause and or follow their progress, go to Facebook and become a fan of Spinners for the Cure, you can find a link there to a donation page, and or Christopher Spicker, or you can take this short cut to Christopher's Bike MS page www.tinyurl.com/36MR8Y9 Please remember that no donation is too big or too small and every penny adds up to a bright and hopeful tomorrow, it can't be done without you. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and God bless you and those you love.
What sets Spinners for the Cure apart from the other teams, is that not only are there 7 Spicker's riding in honor of their brother Karl, 5 of which are siblings, but other family members and friends along with support crew are coming from as far away as Georgia, Indiana, California, and all over Ohio! Christopher and his wife, drive about 40+ hours, and 2,500 miles to reach the starting line of this event. This amazing family, and friends, are dedicated to riding for those who are suffering, will suffer from, and have suffered the pains and trials of Multiple Sclerosis. There are over 400,000.00 people in the United States alone that endure the complications of MS, something for which there is no known cure as of this writing, no known reason for how it comes to be apart of so many lives.
With the monies from this fundraising effort, research can be furthered, counseling can be had, ramps can be built and so many dreams can be reached for future generations, so that no one will ever hear the words again…you have MS.
On August 14th & 15th, in a little town in Ohio, 1,641 bicyclists will be riding for one reason, to help stop MS. Encouraged by the generous donations, prayers, and good wishes for a safe journey, each rider will strive forward to the finish line to experience one of the most emotional moment of their lives. Christopher has made a personal challenge to ride an additional 25 miles on the first day if he meets his fundraising goal. If you would like to help support this cause and or follow their progress, go to www.Facebook.com and become a fan of Spinners for the Cure, you can find a link there to a donation page, and or Christopher Spicker, or you can take this short cut to Christopher's Bike MS page www.tinyurl.com/36MR8Y9 Please remember that no donation is too big or too small and every penny adds up to a bright and hopeful tomorrow, it can't be done without you. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and God bless you and those you love.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/press-releases-articles/bike-ms-pedal-to-the-point-2010-spinners-for-the-cure-2739621.html
About the AuthorCat Spicker-fundraiser and support member of Spinners for the Cure