Cyclists Raise Funds
to Fight MS

Two dozen MU College of Veterinary Medicine students, alumni, faculty, residents, technicians and friends pushed their pedals to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The group took part in the MS 150 – a two-day bicycle tour through and around Columbia Sept. 6 and 7.

The ride began at the Midway Expo Center each day. Riders could opt to cycle 75 miles each day, 100 miles each day, or 75 miles one day and 40 on the second. Each participant agreed to contribute at least $250 to the MS Society by October in order to ride in the tour. So far the team has raised $5,920 of its $6,500 goal. Purina sponsored the CVM team by providing members with cycling jerseys.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.” In the United States, there are approximately 400,000 people with MS and 200 more are diagnosed each week. Worldwide, the disease is estimated to affect more than 2.5 million people.

The people in the photo are those who made up the MU Veterinary Cycling Team:
 Back row from left:  Wes Kimberlin, Stephanie Twigg, Brad Twigg, Michele Watson, Kayla Terry, Elliot Pennington, Dr. Linda Berent, Dr. Marlyn Sue Whitney, Ashley Stich, Dr. Craig Franklin, Mike Hutsel; middle row:  Brian Hutsel, team captain Krystle Azerolo, Erin O'Toole, Jane Ebben; front row: Sarah Schlink, Rachel Halpin, Kira Moore, Jenny Wolf, and Meghan Duhadway.

Two alumni, Dr. Erick Lutzeier and Dr. Tom Millis also participated in the ride as part of the team, but are not in the photo. Dr. Joan Coates and Dr. Jeanetta Perry raised funds for the event, but were unable to ride.

For more information about the event, contact Krystle Azerolo.

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