Tom Bishop

I'm cycling toward a world free of MS. 

I Can Make a Difference

WHY WE FIGHT MS

Having multiple sclerosis means that you may suddenly have blurry vision. Or that your memory will fail you for no apparent reason. Or that you may not always be able to walk, let alone ride a bike. The symptoms of MS are different, and devastating, for everyone - the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.

WHY I RIDE

This is my 23rd year for riding 150 miles for MS. I ride with the inspiration and the memory of my older sister, Judy who passed away in 1992 after a fall. She had lived with MS for over 10 years fighting and persevering through each phase she went through and did not let this disease get her down. She handled it with grace and continued on with her life the best that she could until her retirement from Westminster College shortly before she died. Because of great folks like you, you have helped me raise over $42,000 for MS since I've been riding, starting in 2003! Thank you for your past support!

Judy… Carissa, Lisa, Jane’s daughter-in-law, Cindy, Paul, Jim, Carl, and Erin. Yes, these are people whom I know (a few whom I have met briefly or know of) who have been diagnosed with MS. I keep hearing of others as well in my travels. Some of the folks I know don’t appear to have any struggles. One, who is related through my wife is wheelchair bound. MS takes a toll on all of those affected, some harder than others. I’ve been told by several of these folks the difference some of the medications makes in their lives. I’ve also been told of the expenses involved and the help that come from the National MS Society. That is why I ride! Knowing what my sister dealt with was never easy. My hope is that what little I can do… with your help, we can help not only those that I know personally, but many others as well. And for that, I THANK YOU!

My goal is to persevere on a bicycle for folks I have met and others who have been diagnosed - and because I want to do everything to bring awareness to others to learn what it means to live with this disease. Today, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and with diagnosis occurring most frequently between the ages of 20 and 50, many individuals face a lifetime filled with unpredictability. Yes, that is why I ride. Yes, that is why I ask friends, family and others for their contributions.

WHY YOU SHOULD SPONSOR ME

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will use funds collected from the Escape to the Lake (Erie) MS Bike Tour to not only support research for a cure tomorrow, but also to provide programs which address the needs of people living with MS today. Because we can fight this disease by simply riding a bike, because we have chosen to help thousands of people through a contribution to the MS Bike Tour, we are now getting closer to the hour when no one will have to hear the words, "You have MS."

This year you have an awesome opportunity and you don’t even have to ride! You can inspire me with your continued contribution. Other years, many of you helped me to be in the “Fab 50”, one of the top 50 fundraisers for the “Escape to the Lake” MS ride, which is one of the toughest MS rides to do. Since I’ve been riding, you have helped me to raise over $42,000! 

My goal this year is $3,500. I know, it is a hefty goal and I really don’t like asking people for money, but when I see and hear of the difference it makes in many peoples’ lives, I am inspired! 

Now that a precedent has been set... Any amount, even if it was a dollar would help and be appreciated! The ride this year is June 7 & 8.

To contribute, there are several options: 1) Click on the donate tab. 2) Send a check made payable to "National MS Society" and send to me at 297 Chapel Dr., Ellwood City, PA 16117 3) Give cash or check directly to me or any of my family members when you see us.

Thank you!