I normally don’t pass on fundraising affairs, but I think this is special. There are a number of ways to support Multiple Scleroses research through direct donations and walk-a-thons. There is another event coming up worth your donation: Bike the US for MS.

To quote their website:

Bike the US for MS organizes cross country bike trips that raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research & volunteer for patients. These tours follow America's most traveled cross country routes and combine an important cause with an incredible experience.

Proceeds from 2013 will fund home modification projects across the United States and support research & treatment at Swedish MS Center in Seattle, UVA's James Q Miller MS Clinic in Charlottesville, and Fairview MS Achievement Center in St Paul.

Why am I supporting and promoting this event? It is because one of the cyclists this year is a neighbor of mine on Whidbey Island. Her name is Diane Mattens and she has challenged herself to ride the “Northern Tier” route from Bar Harbor, Maine to Seattle, Washington. That is 4,295 miles! She leaves Bar Harbor on May 28^th and arrives in Seattle on August 4^th.

“So what”, you ask.

Here’s what: Diane was diagnosed with MS 28 years ago. Now middle aged, she works hard at fighting the disease, has become an avid cyclist, and last spring rode solo from Whidbey Island to California’s Golden Gate.

She now wants to become the first woman with MS to bike across the US while raising funds for the program at Swedish MS Center. Remarkably, all donations are tax deductable and over 90% will go to research and the volunteer organizations listed above!

So I ask that you go to biketheusforms.org, click 2013 Cyclists, click Northern Tier, and donate to Diane Mattens.

Many thanks in advance.