RONA MS Bike Tour raises $405,000

More than 600 cyclists participated in the RONA MS Bike Tour from Caledon to Waterloo recently, raising $405,000 for multiple sclerosis research and services and exceeding the original fund-raising goal of $375,000.

Participants cycled 190 kilometres over two days, travelling from Brampton to Waterloo and back again, motivated by the mission to find a cure for MS.

Barb Robinson, manager of fund-raising events at the MS Society of Canada, explained people cycle in the RONA MS Bike Tours for a variety of reasons.

"Many of our participants know someone with multiple sclerosis and have seen first hand the debilitating effects that the disease can have," she said. "Others might not have a personal connection to the disease, but they enjoy cycling and appreciate the camaraderie of cycling with a great group of people."

She added whatever their reason for participating, every cyclist is making a difference in the lives of people who live with MS.

"No matter why they get involved, every one of our participants is helping in the fight against multiple sclerosis, and will have been a part of ending MS when we ultimately find the cure," she said.

Money raised by the RONA MS Bike Tours funds research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis, as well as provides services to people with MS and their families.

Another RONA MS Bike Tour will take place in Toronto on Sept. 10. For more information, visit www.msbiketours.com or call 1-800-268-7582, ext. 3038.

Multiple sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) among young adults in Canada, affecting 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians. It is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, but can occur at any age. Symptoms include vision and speech problems, extreme fatigue, lack of balance and co-ordination, and even paralysis. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with about three people being diagnosed each day.

Canada is a leader in multiple sclerosis research, and researchers are developing new treatments for MS while moving closer to finding a cure for this unpredictable, often disabling disease. More information is available at www.mssociety.ca.