Jun 01, 2009
2009 Great-West Life Bike MS Ride: SOLD OUT!
Colorado Chapter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2009
Sold Out!
Economy Doesn’t Stall Participation in Colorado Chapter, National MS Society’s 2009 Great-West Life Bike MS Ride
DENVER – The Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 24rd annual fund-raising bike ride– the Great-West Life Bike MS, Colorado’s Ride 2009, Presented by Sam’s Club – has sold out for the second year in a row. More than 3,000 cyclists, are once again set to ride from Front Range Community College in Westminster to Colorado State University in Fort Collins and back on June 27 – 28, 2009 . Riders will enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s Front Range while raising critical funds to beat MS as they ride the 150-mile route.
Bike MS, the oldest nonprofit ride in Colorado, has evolved into one of the state’s premier cycling events. Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for participants is a top priority, but the purpose is never lost. It is also the major fundraising event for the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society each year, a fact well on the radar of Carrie Nolan, president of the Chapter.
“We have experienced a 300 percent increase in demand for services and support due to the current economic conditions,” said Nolan. “While meeting that demand is in itself a challenge, securing ongoing donor support is also paramount. Maintaining engagement with our donors and keeping our cause visible is critical at all times. Our signature events, such as Bike MS and Walk MS, raise the critical funds needed for us to provide programming, advocacy and services to support the Colorado MS community as well as research that will lead to a cure. The economic climate may change, but our mission doesn’t,” Nolan emphasized.
Nolan credits the success of once again registering the maximum number of cyclists allowed for this year’s ride to strong teamwork by her staff combined with the loyalty and commitment of riders pedaling to beat MS. “We work year round to provide a quality and fun experience for our participants, because supporters are the ones whose efforts will lead to finding a cure,” Nolan said. “Employing creative approaches to extend involvement is also important. Since we have reached the cap allowed for riding in the event, we now offer virtual participation, which extends our reach and adds another option for participation. Community members can now go to our web site and sign up to participate virtually,” she added.
Colorado has one of the highest prevalence of MS in the nation, with more than 9,000 Coloradans living with this disease. Bike MS places a spotlight on MS and the need for research.
“The National MS Society is the largest private funder of MS research in the world,” Nolan said. “Of the more than 440 research projects worldwide, eight are being conducted in Colorado. I like to stress that there is progress and communicating that also leads to continuing support.
“There were no treatments for MS until 1993. Now there are six-FDA approved treatments available with breakthroughs on the horizon.,” she continued. “We expect to see oral medications on the market for the first time next year. The National MS Society funds a myriad of research, from genetics that may lead to prevention, to treatments with the capacity to reverse the impact of MS by repairing nerve damage,” she added.
Last year the ride raised $2.9 million. This year’s goal is $3.2 million and we remain confident that we will meet this goal thanks to strong support from the Colorado community. We remain a positive, ‘can do’ organization and each donation received, each mile walked or mile ridden will take us closer to a world free of MS,” she said.
To register to be a Virtual Participant or to volunteer in the Great-West Life Bike MS Colorado’s Ride 2009, Presented by Sam’s Club, or to volunteer, visit www.bikeMScolorado.org.