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Cyclist Embarks on Cross-Country Trek for MS Awareness
Wichita, Kansas, January 20, 2004 – Fourteen thousand miles on a bike – that’s nothing for Delbert Richardson. The 50-year-old Wichita resident already cycled across the United States three years ago, traveling through 17 states from Seattle to Washington, D.C.
Richardson, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1997, today began his second adventure – a solo hand-cycling trek across 48 states. He departs from his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. Richardson will be taking the 14,000-mile, 289-day journey to raise awareness of MS and to demonstrate that people living with the disease can lead full, exciting lives that are as rewarding as those of otherwise healthy individuals.
Richardson’s trip, called Crossing America 2004 is sponsored by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., with support from the Betaseron® Champions of Courage program. Betaseron Champions of Courage sponsored his first trip in 2001.
“My own diagnosis of MS was a turning point in my life. At first I was discouraged because my symptoms made it difficult to perform the simplest tasks. But now, with a better understanding of the disease, along with the right treatment and support from my wife, family and friends, I’m a different person,” says Richardson. “This trip is proof that even with MS, you can accomplish anything you set out to do.”
Highlights of the trip include cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge, crossing through the Grand Canyon, riding past Mount Rushmore and visiting Niagara Falls. Photographs and journal entries will be posted to www.championsofcourage.org. Richardson learned a lot during his first trip, (called Wheels of Hope) such as how to improve the three-wheeled hand cycle (or “trike”) to make for a less arduous journey. Richardson’s new trike, which he took on a practice run during a recent MS 150 bike ride in Kansas, has a built-in gas motor to help him during bouts of fatigue. In addition to fatigue, Richardson’s MS symptoms include muscle spasms and loss of balance.
“The idea for my first trip came in a dream, where I saw myself cycling across America. Just like I turned my dream into a reality,” says Richardson, “others with MS should follow their dreams.”
Richardson plans to make speaking appearances and to meet other Champions of Courage during his trip. For more information, log onto www.championsofcourage.org.
Betaseron Champions of Courage
Funded by a grant from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Betaseron Champions of Courage program recognizes the accomplishments of people with MS and provides grants to help them achieve their goals and inspire others. Since the program was introduced in 1999, more than 30 women and men have received grants to support motivating projects. Applications can be obtained by visiting www.championsofcourage.org, or by calling 1-202-363-3378.
MS is a disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain and spinal cord. It is estimated to affect more than 400,000 people in the United States and is the major acquired neurologic disease in young adults. People who develop MS may not immediately recognize their condition, because the symptoms of MS are nonspecific and may be similar to those of other diseases. Common signs and symptoms of MS include fatigue, psychological and cognitive changes, weakness or paralysis of limbs, numbness, vision problems, speech difficulties, problems with walking or motor skills, bladder problems, and sexual dysfunction. Though no cure yet exists, there are now therapies available that can impact underlying disease course as well as manage symptoms.
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Contact: |
Liz Garman Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM Telephone: 202/363-3378 E-Mail: info@championsofcourage.org |
