By Jason Cunningham
John Owens donated 25 miles worth of his time and energy on a bicycle last month.
Owens, a communications major at CCSU, raised money for people living with multiple sclerosis through a collection of sponsors at the 2010 Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride. The two day event took place from Aug. 28-29 at Priam Vineyards in Colchester and is expected to raise nearly $200,000 when all pledges are met.
“I thought it’d be a challenge, thought I’d give it a shot. I’m not a regular cyclist,” said Owens. “It was an intense ride too. I did not prepare myself.”
The two days of ridding and fundraising were organized by the Connecticut chapter of the National MS Society. The weekend had over 200 cyclists turn out. Not all of those cyclists have reached their goals. So far Owens has raised over $85 towards his $125 goal. Fundraising is continuing until Saturday, Sept. 25. Potential sponsors can support Owens and other participants efforts by visiting ctfightsms.org and then clicking on MS: Cardio Express Ride.
“I’m seeing more and more people John’s age get involved, but not enough,” said Karen Butler, vice president of the Connecticut chapter of the National MS Society. “Sometimes college kids get a bad wrap, there’s more publicity about the spring break and the antics, but there needs to be more about those who make a difference. I had an intern just this past semester who actually jumped out of a plane for MS.”
Owens is currently interning with the Connecticut chapter of National MS Society, which is another way that Butler recommends for people in college to get involved in activities with charitable organizations.
“There are lots of ways to get involved with charity. It’s not just special events, it’s working one on one with the constituents we serve, volunteering, advocacy. It’s interning,” said Butler. “Interning is the best way to get involved. We offer them in special event planning, fundraising, finance and programs in service and mass communications and public relations. I’ve had interns form all over the state, including UConn. I can tell you that CCSU students truly excel in the communications program.”
Owens was encouraged to register by Butler’s son, Kevin. The two played hockey together at CCSU. Owens wore his hockey helmet for the 25 miles of cycling, having forgot his more traditional helmet at home. Owens has found the cause to be rewarding enough to volunteer more time on the bike next year.
“Think about the things college kids do. You can spend your time going out and drinking, but what do you get from that? If you’re going to do something for other people, and have other people provide for your cause in your name, you can walk away from it feeling really good,” said Owens. “It only takes a little bit of time.”
MS is a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. The symptoms can range from numbness and tingling in the extremities, vision difficulties, which includes blindness, speech difficulties and stiffness in muscles and joints. In sever cases it causes complete paralysis.
“They only came up with a definitive way to test for MS in the 1980s. That’s using an MRI and they also use a spinal tap. We don’t know what causes MS, but it’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and environment,” said Butler. “As a chapter with the National MS Society we raise funds to keep research moving forward and to support people with MS in the state, which is over 6,000 people.”
According to Butler, most people are college-aged when they’re diagnosed with MS, the average being between 20-45 years old.