Leading the Way to a World Free of MS
Team VItamin Shoppe
The Vitamin Shoppe is a corporate leader in the movement to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Over the past 6 years, The Vitamin Shoppe has played a vital role in the success of the Bike MS “Coast the Coast” Ride. From providing cyclists on the ride with countless energy boots by donating healthy snacks and drinks for the every stop and start on the ride to manning rest stops and registration, The Vitamin Shoppe has been a true partner in the success of the “Coast the Coast” Ride.
In 2004, The Vitamin Shoppe registered its first Bike MS team. That first year, Team Vitamin Shoppe had 5 members and began their journey. In 2009 they had the largest team riding in the “Coast the Coast” Bike MS Ride and were the top fundraising team. Since their start, Team Vitamin Shoppe has raised over $332,000 for the New Jersey Metro Chapter, but their generosity did not stop there. The Vitamin Shoppe has become the presenting sponsor of the Bike MS “Coast the Coast” Ride. Additionally, they have established a Walk MS team as well as participating in the New Jersey Metro Chapter’s two other Bike MS Rides: the Hops to Hops and the Great New Jersey Country Ride.
Today, The Vitamin Shoppe’s support goes beyond our local New Jersey Metro Chapter. Team Vitamin Shoppe supports many National Multiple Sclerosis Society Bike MS cycling events across the United States. Team Vitamin Shoppe has over 200 riders in 15 states and each of these teams raise money and participate in their local Bike MS Rides.
The Vitamin Shoppe is a specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products ranging from vitamins and minerals to nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies, and health and beauty aids. They have a strong sense of responsibility to do whatever they can to support non-profit organizations devoted to health and wellness. The company is currently involved with signature efforts that support charitable organizations including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. With more than 440 stores across the United States, The Vitamin Shoppe also supports numerous regional organizations that are dedicated to health and wellness in the communities where they do business.
Look for Team Vitamin Shoppe at the 2010 Bike MS “Coast the Coast” Ride this coming May 22nd and 23rd or around the nation at Walk MS and Bike MS events in your area as they continue to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis. More information about Team Vitamin Shoppe can be found at www.teamvitaminshoppe.com or click here to make a donation to Team Vitamin Shoppe. Click here for more information about The Vitamin Shoppe products and services.
Mary Ellen Gervasini
Biking to Create a World Free of MS
MaryEllen Gervasini became involved with the New Jersey Metro Chapter’s Bike MS “Coast the Coast” ride ten years ago simply because she loved the challenge the “Coast the Coast “ ride had to offer. At the time MaryEllen’s friend Inge Frudden had been living with MS for many years. Inge was homebound due to the disease so MaryEllen rode in honor of her.
Two years ago, MaryEllen began to experience some unusual symptoms - tingling/numbness, tightness around the stomach, strange sensations going up and down her spine, and spasms in her hand which lasted two months. As things sometimes happen, MaryEllen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in May of 2007. At the time of her diagnosis she was an old, single Mom, extremely scared and not sure of what the future would bring. Having been involved with the New Jersey Metro Chapter for over 10 years MaryEllen knew where to turn and how she could help.
Today, despite having sensory damage, MaryEllen has been very fortunate that her symptoms have been kept at bay. At times she has numbness in her hands and if she gets really stressed she feels the “MS Hug” as she describes it - tightness around the abdomen.
This year MaryEllen will once again ride 170 miles not only for Inge, but for herself and also for all others whose lives are affected by MS. Joining her on her ride are her niece, Michele and husband, Rey along with their two children, Sofia and Christian. Together they make up the Missy Express. Look for MaryEllen this coming May 22 and 23 as she cycles her way from Long Branch down to Cape May as she rides to one day find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Click here to find out more or to make a donation to MaryEllen and her team The Missy Express.
Nick Marchesani
Inspiring Others with his Multiple Strengths
In high school, Nick Marchesani was a stand-out track runner and later a United States Army infantry soldier. Fast forward about 10 years and Nick is no longer able to walk. Nick was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 2000 although he had been living with the disease for many years before that diagnosis.
Nick’s first symptoms came on in the early 1990’s. He experienced a host of vision problems, including double vision, nausea and fatigue. Nick spent three years of his life going from doctor to doctor never receiving a diagnosis. He was not taken seriously and was told the problems where in his head. In November 2000, he was at his wits end and went to the emergency room for help. Doctors again told him he was fine and he should go home, but Nick refused to leave. Finally he came upon a doctor who would listen – this doctor admitted him and three days later diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis.
As time passed, he noticed more and more of his abilities deteriorating. He went from walking short distances with excruciating pain to no longer being able walk, this was a devastating blow. It was then that he decided he would not let MS beat him. It gave him a new outlook on life; he vowed to never give up on the things that he loved doing.
Nick has spent the years since his diagnosis becoming very involved with the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Nick is an office volunteer, a local self help group leader, speaker at chapter programs and a fundraiser. Nick was named as the northern New Jersey 2010 Walk MS Ambassador for the chapter. Nick has inspired countless people during his tenure as a speaker for the chapter and he is a perfect fit as Walk MS Ambassador.
Today, Nick’s pedometer tells him that he can walk over 13,000 steps which is equivalent to a little over 6.5 miles and has the ability to run about 200 yards. His ultimate goal is to run a five mile race once again! His hope is that when a person hears the two words ‘Multiple Sclerosis’, they will not automatically assume the worst. To Nick, MS has a new meaning. He tells everyone, “Yes, I have MS - Multiple Strengths!”
Nick and his wife Colleen will hit the pavement to help create a world free of MS in the 2010 Walk MS to be held on Sunday, April 18 in Jersey City. Click here to support Nick or to register for Walk MS.
Onekka Kimble
Walking to Create a World Free of MS
At 25 years old Onekka Kimble heard the words that she was not prepared for - “you have multiple sclerosis”.
Onekka can recall her first symptoms like it was yesterday - “New Year’s Eve seven years ago. I woke up feeling bizarre. The whole right side of my body was numb and tingly from my head down to my feet and my balance was off kilter. From that moment on, time flew by. After three weeks of doctors’ appointments, tests, poking and probing, I was mentally, emotionally, and physically drained from the process. At the end of the tunnel were the words that a 25 year old did not want to hear, “You have Multiple Sclerosis.” I had no idea what MS was, or how it would affect me. But one thing I did know, it was not going to beat me.”
Shortly after her diagnosis Onekka turned to the National MS Society to educate herself about the disease and later to become an active participant in helping others dealing with the same diagnosis. She has participated in the National MS Society Walk MS for several years raising thousands of dollars to help support MS research and local programs and services for all of the whose lives are touched by MS
This year Onekka will serve at the 2010 Walk MS Ambassador for central New Jersey. It has been seven years since she was diagnosed and seven years living with this unpredictable disease. “I am truly dedicated to the cause and the thousands of people battling this disease, and as a 2010 MS Ambassador, I will continue with the same momentum. The greatest gift is having the ability to be a blessing to others. My job is done when I have touched someone’s life in a positive manner” says Onekka.
Onekka will help to raise MS awareness and the Walk MS fundraising event by sharing her story with as many people who will listen.
Onekka and her team “Precious Pearls” will hit the pavement to help create a world free of MS in the 2010 Walk MS to be held on Sunday, April 18 in Somerville. Click here to support Onekka and her “Precious Pearls” or click here to register for the 2010 Walk MS.
Michael Ogg
Advocating for those Living with MS
It was 1995 when Michael Ogg began to encounter some unusual symptoms like weakness in his legs, muscle fatigue and leg pain. Over the next 2 year these symptoms gradually progressed and went undiagnosed. In 1997 Michael was diagnosed with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Over the course of time he went from walking freely to using a cane, to a mobility scooter to currently a power wheelchair.
Michael has always been an active go getter and he would not let his MS slow him down. He decided to move his residence to where public transportation was more readily available as a means for him to get where he needed to be. The move did make things easier but certainly not without “many bumps in the road” so to speak. As Michael relies more and more on public transportation and accessibility of public places the more difficulty he encounters.
Not one to sit back and complain, Michael advocates for accessibility rights to anyone who will listen. Recently he has taken on one local initiative, accessibility issues in his home town, and one state-wide initiative, New Jersey Transit bus stops that are not accessible for wheelchair users.
In his home town Michael is seeking change in public spaces where there are no cub cut outs or ramps on sidewalks making it impossible for many to travel on no matter the disability level. He is looking to make doors, counters, and restrooms in public buildings accessible for all to use. Michael presented a report to his township council that detailed many of the difficulties in the town and where they are not in compliance with ADA regulations. Click here to see a local article on what he is working on.
Michael is an active member of the New Jersey Metro Chapter Advocacy initiatives and also a co-facilitator of the Robbinsville Self Help Group. His work is not only making the lives of everybody easier but is helping to raise awareness of the day to day challenges that many live with. Change only happens when we make a move to bring it about - thank you Michael for changing the lives of so many. Click here for more information on advocacy initiatives and how you can help.