Dallas Woman Honored For Triumph Over MS
Cyclist Captures “Champions of Courage” Award
Washington, DC, April 20, 2000 – Pam Hensley, a Dallas resident and avid cyclist who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) for seven years, recently received a Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM grant, in recognition for her tremendous accomplishments, despite this often disabling disease. Pam will use her grant to ride in 10 MS 150 bike tours around the country, from May to November.
The Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM program recognizes the accomplishments of people with MS and provides grants to help people with MS achieve their goals and inspire others.
“Pam’s courage and perseverance is tremendous,” commented Eric Simons, motivational speaker and chairman of the Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM Board. “We hope her story will inspire others with MS.”
Pam’s Pedal Pushing
Pam began bicycling six years ago, shortly after being diagnosed with MS. She found that, while walking was an effort, she could bike for many miles, letting her weaker leg rest while she pedaled with the stronger leg.
“I knew if I was going to beat this thing, I was going to have to give it everything I had,” says Pam. So this single mother of two boys started exercising, beginning with water aerobics. Then she began biking, and now takes spin classes and aerobics five days a week. In 1997 she completed her first MS 150, riding 50 miles in two days. Says Pam, “I had tears of joy streaming down my face when I crossed the finish line.”
“I Will Not Let MS Get Me Down.”
This year has an even greater challenge in mind. She plans to ride in 10 MS 150 Bike Tours across the country, from May to November. She formed“Pam’s Pedal Partners” to help reach her goal to raise $10,000 for MS research (click to visit Pam's Pedal Partners home page ). While on the tours, she will give motivational talks to fellow riders about living with MS. “I will not let MS get me down,” declares Pam. “I plan on enjoying every day to the fullest.”
About the Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM Program
Funded by a grant from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM program provides grants to people taking the MS medication Betaseron® who have demonstrated unique courage or initiative in overcoming MS. To apply for a grant, individuals must be taking Betaseron®, describe their community service activities, and outline how they will use a grant to inspire others. Applications can be obtained by visiting www.championsofcourage.org, or by calling 1-202-363-3378. Applications are reviewed three times per year: in February, June and October.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that randomly attacks the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord, wearing away control over the body. Symptoms may range from numbness to paralysis and blindness. No cure exists; however, therapies to treat symptoms and reduce the number and severity of attacks are available. MS afflicts up to 350,000 people in the U.S.
