It’s not often I ask for monetary support from my readers. But Multiple Sclerosis is still taking its toll on too many and MS 150 season is upon us. I am always amazed at those of you who contribute and blown away by your support in the form of prayers and sweet, sweet notes. So [...]

It’s not often I ask for monetary support from my readers. But Multiple Sclerosis is still taking its toll on too many and MS 150 season is upon us.

I am always amazed at those of you who contribute and blown away by your support in the form of prayers and sweet, sweet notes. So here comes the big ask again this year…

Yikes! This Saturday it will only be EIGHT WEEKS until the MS 150, when I’ll cycle 180 miles from Houston to Austin in two days to raise money and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis. This will be my fifth year taking part in the ride and I am especially pleased to get to ride again (even if I haven’t begin training yet).

You see, I wasn’t sure if I was even going to be able to ride this year. As some of you know, I had a massive mystery cyst removed from my liver in mid-January. (For those of you who don’t know, I had 2 liters of liquid drained and now all is well. Weird, yes. But much better than lots of other options.) This health hiccup was a little surreal, uncomfortable and inconvenient, but, fortunately for me and my family, it was just a health blip that is most likely not going to reoccur.

God saw us through, taught me a few lessons and now I feel much better than I have in months.

So now, with just a short window left, it is REALLY time to kick it into gear for both my fundraising and my training!! I’ve got people counting on me!

In the past I have been able to raise between $2500 to $3600 each year because of your generosity. (That’s all friend and family contributions. Our personal contribution goes into my husband’s fundraising account each year.) I know many of you have supported me year after year, and I tremendously appreciate that. And I appreciate those who have supported me once or twice, too. Every bit of every donation goes to help those who suffer from MS.

My health scare was an awkward time of waiting, wondering and hoping all would end up with me being healthy. For those with MS, they have a much longer time of waiting and wondering and, thanks to fundraising efforts like those of the MS 150 ride, more and more who are diagnosed are ending up healthier and able to manage the MS. But there is still tons of research to be done. And tons of help to be shared.

I know times are tight. But that doesn’t mean that those with MS don’t still need you. Please consider contributing to the MS Society in support of my ride again this year… or contribute for the very first time. Not only would I appreciate your support, but those families impacted by the results of your funding will appreciate it, too.
And, yes, all contributions are tax deductible.

You can click over to my contributions page  and contribute, or you can mail a check to the MS Society. Drop me a note and I’ll send you the address.

Also, please pray for me. I’m way behind in my training, as the surgery put me out of commission for several weeks and then travel has taken a few weekends, too. I’m still amazed that I am allowed to ride and that I  have healed so well. But now there are no more excuses. Next week I intend to hop back on my bike and ride, ride, ride. I need to build those cycling muscles back up (and get my behind ready for all that saddle time, too!) If you could take a few moments to pray for my strength and endurance, as well as favorable weather, I would tremendously appreciate it.

Thanks for your consideration, your prayers and support. And thank you for any contributions you are willing to share to help make life better for those suffering from MS.

You can contribute right now by going here: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/AmyGross

Want to know more?  Read about my previous adventures MS 150 training, cycling  and camping (yes camping) overnight between the two days of the ride.

PS: That picture at the top is from the first day finish in 2010. I finished about 20 minutes before my husband. I’m hoping for a repeat this year, but he’s already begun training! I’d better get after it!!!