December 01 2008
Nestle Nutrition is all about health and wellness. My story involves a great way to enjoy exercise (with all its health and wellness benefits) and give back to the community at the same time. For the past 22 years, I have participated in a 150 mile bike ride that raises money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms include numbness in the limbs, paralysis, and loss of vision. An estimated 400,000 Americans have MS and to date there is no cure.
Training for this 2-day 150 mile bike ride is a year-round commitment. During the winter months my rides are limited to indoor spinning classes and strength training. When the Cincinnati winter weather clears, my outside training averages approximately 125 miles a week. Participating and training for this ride has been very instrumental in maintaining an optimum fitness level. The beauty of cycling is the benefit of cardiovascular exercise with limited impact on your joints.
With the help of Nestle (Community Care Program) and support of its employees I have personally raised over $150,000.00 (over 22 years) to help fight this disease. My cycling team, sponsored by Nestle PowerBar, has been the top fundraising team in Cincinnati for the past 7 years and has collectively raised over $500,000 dollars. All of these funds, used for programs and services, are helping to improve the quality of life for those stricken with Multiple Sclerosis. MS stops people from moving – “join the movement” and help fight this disease by participating in an MS 150 ride near you and “enjoy the health”!
Links of interest:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/mikerathsack
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/