Northwest Sailors Ride to Fight Multiple Sclerosis

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Detachment Northwest

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (NNS) -- A team made up of 21 members of active duty and civilians gathered together as "Team Navy," in Skagit County Fairgrounds Sept. 11-12 for a Bike for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Ride.

The Bike MS Ride was a two-day ride ranging from 22 to 92 miles throughout the Whatcom, Island and Skagit Counties. The routes consisted of figure-8 loops that started and finished at Rider Village at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon, Wash.

The ride was an opportunity for bike enthusiasts to raise funds and awareness about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

"I'm here because I'm a second generation MS person. My dad had MS, and he died from it when he was only 48 years old, and eight years after he died, I was diagnosed with it," said Sharon Dodge, wife of Cmdr. Bill Dodge, commanding officer of Navy Information Operations Command Whidbey Island.

According to the website, Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

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.

Along with Team Navy, more than 20 teams participated in the event to fight MS.

"My team encouraged me to ride today. We all started riding our bikes to work and based on that, started a team for this event," said Francois Prinsloa of Seattle, Wash., a member of Team Expeditors. "It started as fitness, and then I saw the website, I learned more about MS and how the money we raise can make a difference. This is a great a great community; it combines my love for biking with a good cause, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Groups of volunteers provided by the society helped set up and man the rest stops along the route, located every 10-12 miles on both days. Rest stops provided snacks and water to cyclists as they passed through; volunteers thanked the participants and encouraged them as they went on their way.

Money raised on both days support MS research, programs and services dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by MS.

Even with the unpredictable weather and road riding conditions, riders were determined to finish the course.

"I love the fact that the National MS Society gives more money directly to research than any other non-profit in the world. I love that everyone came together for the movement, our team especially, the comradeship on Team Navy is just overwhelming. I ride for my kids, so we don't have another generation of our family that has the same disease. When we cross the finish line, grown men on our team would cry," said Dodge.

According to the website Team Navy raised over $31,280.

The Dodges have also been members of Navy biking teams participating in the Maryland Bike MS ride in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as well as the Delaware Valley.

Team Navy made their Greater Washington Chapter Bike MS debut in September and won the "Best Pledge Average Team" with nine riders and an average pledge of $2,640 per rider.

In all, Team Navy has raised more than $150, 000 over the past four years.

"Bill Dodge, our team captain has done such a great job organizing this every year for Team Navy; we have an inspiring group of riders," said Lt. Cmdr. Philip King, a Navy chaplain assigned to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 10 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "This is my first year participating in the event. I've known the Dodges' since I came to Whidbey Island, and this was just a great opportunity for me to show my support for them and for Sharon, who has MS."