Woman cycles to combat MS

Darla Driscoll, of High Prairie, participated in the 2008 MS Bike Tour. She says participating for a good cause is incredible and rewarding but also exhausting and frustrating.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Darla Driscoll knows first-hand what a terrible disease multiple sclerosis is. To help find a cure, she rode in the 2008 MS Bike Tour to raise money to find a cure for the disease. And she’s ready and willing to go again this year. Driscoll’s Aunt Merle Dewald, who lives in Stony Plain, has lived with MS for 25 years after she was diagnosed in 1983. “With help from the Multiple Sclerosis Society here in Alberta, she was able to stay in her home until just four years ago,” says Driscoll. “Since that time she has been living in a nursing home.” Driscoll remembers last year’s tour with affection. “The ride was the most incredible, grueling, rewarding, exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, enthralling and humbling event I have ever had the honour of participating in,” she says. “I have decided to do it all again this year.” This year’s RONA MS Bike Tour occurs in four separate locations. Driscoll will be attending the Leduc to Camrose portion June 13-14. Anyone registering for the tour will be treated to excellent food, awesome prizes and Saturday night entertainment. Of course, it’s all about getting involved and finding a cure, however. Last year, John Mullen, of Hinton, raised $51,822.65. A team called the Smokin’ Embers, of Calgary, raised $76,605. MS is a devastating disease. The results from those who suffer with MS and their family and friends who suffer with them leaves everyone with no recourse but to do what they can to help eradicate the disease. “I’m making a personal appeal to (everyone) to help me contribute to the MS Society’s goal of assisting those suffering with MS and funding research to develop new and better treatments,” says Driscoll. All contributions in excess or $15 will receive an automatic taxable receipt. Cheques should be made payable to 2009 MS Bike Tour and forwarded to Driscoll at High Prairie’s Pleasantview Lodge. Or, mail her at Box 2463, High Prairie, T0G 1E0. Call the MS Society of Alberta at 1-800-268-7582 for more information.

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