March 16, 2011

Arlington Resident Rides for MS

During National MS Awareness Week, Arlington resident Jodi Ryan is going further than she’s ever gone.
She is riding her bike and inviting others to join her. Riders are asked to wear or decorate bikes in orange to “show support for ending multiple sclerosis forever.”

"This is another item from the list of things I want to do in my life,” Ryan said. “In the past three years, accomplishing items on this list have kept me going.”

The former newspaper journalist was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1980 and had to give up cycling.

In 2008, she was given a life-changing gift when Bicycles, Inc. gave her a bike fitted for her physical disabilities.

Last year, she checked off several items from her list. One of them included riding in three of the Texas Bike MS tours. This year, she plans to do more.

On Thursday, the City of Arlington will present a proclamation declaring the week of March 14 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. The presentation will occur at 1 p.m. at Bicycles, Inc. located at 5739 SW Green Oaks Blvd. A bike ride to Mansfield will follow the presentation.

“Don't Give Up. Don't Give In. Keep On Moving. That’s my motto,” Ryan said.

Follow the ride at www.bicyclesinc.com or call 972-672-3898.

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, visit Nationalmssociety.org.