This year, as he has for the past several years, my friend Doug Lyon is participating in Ride MS, a two-day motorcycle trip sponsored by the Minnesota chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Doug has been a great fundraiser for this very worthy cause and has also served as the event's ambassador. In his speech he talked about his own personal journey with MS, and the tremendous satisfaction he gets from helping others.
The motorcycle trip takes place Aug. 15-16, but Doug's efforts go beyond that two-day event.
Every spring, he volunteers at a camp for people with multiple sclerosis. Not only does the week provide enjoyment, education and fellowship for people struggling with the disease, it gives a much needed respite to their caregivers and loved ones. As Doug wrote on his blog, My MS:
"I know it is difficult to understand with words how powerful of an experience MS Camp can be. I see people living with this crazy disease, which has devastating effects in how they live. I also see amazing examples of the human spirit in such a different way than I could have imagined. It is amazing to be a part of helping people with MS live their lives. And doing it well."
Volunteering at the camp is an incredibly emotional experience for Doug, but he's helping to make a difference in people's lives and for that, as well as much more, he's definitely a hero to me.
You can read more about Doug's experiences at My MS and watch a special video he made this year at the MS Camp talent show. (I had no idea he was so talented!) And you can help him reach his fundraising goal by making a donation.
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