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The Connecticut-Rhode Island Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Connecticut and Rhode Island raise funds for critical MS research. Join the movement toward a world free of MS.

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Bike MS Raises $515,000

June 12, 2013

The 32nd annual Bike MS: Red Thread+Steelcase Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, was held Sunday, June 23, in Windsor and Sunday, June 9, in Westport.

More than 800 cyclists shifted gears to pedal up to 100 miles and to date has raised nearly $515,000 toward a $539,000 goal. Fundraising for prizes continues through July 12.  

Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events such as Bike MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis. For more information on Bike MS: Red Thread+Steelcase Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, or to donate, visitwww.ctfightsMS.org.

Community partners for the ride include WTNH News 8, Lite 100.5 WRCH and 95.9 The Fox.

  Billy Maag Media
  CUTLINE: Glastonbury resident Billy Maag and his two children, Lia Maag, 9, and Aiden Maag, 11, line up at the start line for the 32nd Annual Bike MS: Red Thread+ Steelcase Ride, in Windsor. Billy completed the 100-mile course in time to accompany his two children along the two-mile kiddie ride. Maag, whose mother battles the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, captains the Maag Wheels team. To date, Maag Wheels is the top fundraising team, with more than $80,000 raised, exceeding its goal of $30,000. 
  DiFatta Media
  CUTLINE: Sue DiFatta, of Simsbury, celebrates with daughter Casey Banville, 14, brother-in-law Mike Banville, of Windsor, and National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter president Lisa Gerrol, of West Hartford, at the finish line at the 2013 Bike MS: Red Thread Ride+Steelcase Ride, inWindsor. Sue DiFatta rode 25 miles in honor of her sister-in-law, Dee, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993. DiFatta’s husband, Brian, captain of Team Waste Management, rode the 50-mile route in honor of his sister. Casey Banville rode the 10-mile route for her second year. Together, Team Waste Management has raised more than $6,000 toward an $18,000 goal. 
  Pizzoferrato
  CUTLINE: East Granby resident Tom Pizzoferrato poses with National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, president Lisa Gerrol, of West Hartford, after completing a 50-mile bike ride at the 2013 Bike MS: Red Thread Ride+Steelcase Ride, in Windsor Sunday, June 2. The ride marked 35 years of cycling with the Connecticut Chapter, bringing his total mileage for the Society to 1,750 miles. This year, Pizzoferrato rode with the Banana Bike Team, captained by Lite 100.5 WRCH’s Mike Stacy. To date, the team has raised $3,300 toward a $5,000 goal.  
  Salon322
  CUTLINE: Agawam resident Maria Santaniello and members of Team Scissor Me Timbers rally at the start of the 2013 Bike MS: Red Thread Ride+Steelcase Ride, in Windsor Sunday, June 2. The 37-person team was organized by Santaniello, owner and operator of Salon 322. Last year Santaniello and her staff decided to honor one of their clients, Tanya Pugliano, and their other clients who are also battling MS by forming the Bike MS team. The team set out with a goal of raising $2,500, but exceeded that, raising $4,400. 
  Elizabeth Beck
  CUTLINE: Elizabeth Beck, of Glastonbury, cuts the ribbon at the start of the 10-mile Bike MS: Red Thread+Steelcase Ride, in Windsor. Beck, a member of Team Lorenzo, has been participating in Bike MS for three years. This year, she exceeded her personal goal and raised $345 for the cause. Team Lorenzo raised more than $6,200. 

 

About the Connecticut-Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society

The Connecticut Chapter strives to provide knowledge and assistance to help people with MS and their families maintain the highest possible quality of life. These goals are achieved through vital national and local programs.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide.

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