The Other Side of MS

Sipping with Spanish Beer and Matt Thompson

"🚴‍♂️🌟 Get ready for an electrifying episode as we dive deep into the captivating world of Team Spanish Beer's Team Captain, Matt Thompson! This cycling sensation has taken Jacksonville, Florida, by storm. Four years ago, four buddies, Doug, Matt, Mike, and Craig, set out on their maiden MS150 Cycle to the Shore ride. They thought they'd be Team DMC, but fate had other plans.
Picture this: the night before the ride, their bike shop sponsorship goes up in smoke, leaving them without jerseys. In a scramble, they grab four jerseys representing different beers – Dos Equis, Corona, Tecate, and Sol. As they cruised to Daytona, they became 'the beer guys.' By day's end, it's 'the Spanish beer guys,' and just like that, Team Spanish Beer was born.
Fast forward to today, and we've got an epic tale of camaraderie and commitment. Team Spanish Beer's journey from a fun outing to a powerhouse of purpose is a ride worth taking. With personal ties to MS in their ranks, they've grown to over 30 strong, raising a staggering $90,000 for the MS cause.
Stay tuned as we celebrate their ten-year anniversary and explore their relentless pursuit of a world free from MS. This is a podcast episode you won't want to miss, featuring the remarkable Team Captain, Matt Thompson!"
Donate to Matt Thompson
Join Team Spanish Beer
Visit Spanish Beer Online
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Pedaling Hope: Inside the Bike MS Journey with Brian Collie

Brian Collie: Powering the MS Society's Ride to a Cure
In a world where determination meets philanthropy, one man is pedaling hope and making a difference. Meet Brian Collie, the driving force behind St. John's own Open Road Bicycles, a name synonymous with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to the National MS Society's Bike MS event.
Eighteen years ago, Brian's life took a pivotal turn when he crossed paths with the MS Society. Little did he know that this encounter would spark a flame of dedication, turning Open Road Bicycles into an integral part of the annual Bike MS PGA Tour Bike to the Shore events. Join us as we delve into Brian's remarkable journey.
At the heart of today's discussion are the inner workings of the Bike MS event, essential preparation insights, and the indispensable role played by local bike shops like Open Road Bicycles in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of cyclists. It's not just about selling bikes; it's about being an engine of support for a noble cause.
If you've ever contemplated joining hands with a charitable endeavor, Brian shares pearls of wisdom to kickstart your philanthropic journey. Get ready for captivating tales of Bike MS event mishaps and heartwarming stories of camaraderie. Brian's words will have you hanging onto your handlebars.
Explore Open Road Bicycles
Donate to the MS Society
 

Unleashing Compassion: Mike McNamara’s MS Fundraising Odyssey

Join us for this extraordinary episode In this episode, we celebrate the indomitable human spirit and the transformative power of compassion. Meet Mike McNamara, a true fundraising champion and a top Bike MS fundraiser, who is making a difference in the fight against multiple sclerosis.
Mike's Personal Connection to MS Join us as we dive deep into Mike's personal connection to MS and the driving force behind his unwavering dedication to raising funds for the cause. From his early encounters with MS-afflicted individuals to his pivotal role at the Mayo Clinic, Mike's story is a testament to the profound impact one person can have in the quest to find a cure.
A Beacon of Hope As we reach the climax of our episode, we explore the turning point that propelled Mike McNamara to become a beacon of hope for those affected by MS. His journey serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise from one person's commitment to change the world.
Donate Today The highly anticipated annual Bike MS: PGA Tour Bike to the Shore is set for October 7th and 8th. Mike is among the passionate cyclists gearing up for this exciting two-day biking extravaganza. This event takes participants on an unforgettable journey, as Mike and many others traverse the stunning North Florida coastline all the way to the vibrant shores of Daytona Beach. Together with a dedicated community of riders, they unite their pedal strokes in a collective mission to create a brighter future for those battling MS, one revolution at a time. Help Mike celebrate this amazing achievement by donating to his Bike MS Fundraiser today
 Donate to Mike's Bike MS Cause

Delaney’s Inspiring Journey of a Patient-Scientist in MS

Join us on an inspiring journey as we dive into the world of multiple sclerosis (MS) research with a remarkable young scientist, Delaney, who defies the odds and pushes the boundaries of possibility. In this engaging podcast, we uncover how Delaney's personal journey with MS ignited her passion for scientific discovery. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of those who face challenges head-on.
Discover how Delaney's mission to bridge the gap between research and real-life impact is reshaping the landscape of neurodegenerative disease research. As she shares her experiences, aspirations, and insights, you'll be captivated by her drive to establish her own lab, foster patient involvement, and make complex scientific concepts accessible to all, especially young minds.
From surfing and basketball to scientific breakthroughs, Delaney's journey is a beacon of hope for the millions affected by MS. Don't miss out on this incredible conversation that unveils the untold stories, unveils the intricacies of scientific research, and sparks the flame of curiosity within us all. Tune in and be inspired to be part of the change!

Beers, Bikes, and a Passion to make a Difference

Join us on "The Other Side of MS" podcast as we chat with Carolyn Graham, Southeast Regional Manager for Left Hand Brewery and captain of Florida's Team Left Hand - a national sponsor for Bike MS. In this episode, we explore how Carolyn has combined her love for cycling and beer with a passion for MS advocacy, and discover the incredible impact she has made on the MS community.   Carolyn's journey from a fundraising powerhouse to a passionate advocate is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in as she shares her uplifting stories and insightful experiences that will leave you feeling motivated to make a difference in the world.   If you're looking for ways to support the MS community, Carolyn is currently raising funds for the National MS Society through Bike MS, and you can donate to her fundraiser Additionally, you can join Team Left Hand to help raise funds for MS research and programs or sponsor the team to help make a difference for those living with MS.   So, what do beer, bikes, and MS advocacy have in common? Find out in this episode of "The Other Side of MS" podcast with Carolyn Graham. Click now to listen and enjoy the ride!

Changing the Narrative: Heidi Katz on MS, Stories, and Hope

 
Meet Heidi Katz, a beacon of hope in the relentless fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As the president of the National MS Society in North Florida, Heidi has pioneered life-changing initiatives that have touched countless lives.
But beyond the titles and accolades, it’s the personal stories of individuals battling MS that truly showcase the depth of Heidi's passion. Listen today to Heidi as she shares her story:
Raising Awareness and Action: "Often in our work to raise awareness, which we put such a premium on, we do meet the dedicated people who become our change makers... We're very transparent with the work that we do. The feedback that I get from our amazing supporters is that they are fueled by the progress."
Curing MS: "When they [MS Society] first came out with that change in our mission statement... I thought, wow, that is incredibly bold for any nonprofit... It's not a question mark anymore."
Storytelling and Humanizing MS: "Personal stories are so powerful and there is no better way to talk about MS than through the personal stories of those who live with and are affected by the disease... MS is a terrible disease, but it affects real people. And their stories are the reason that the National MS Society staff and volunteers and supporters and fundraisers do what we do every day."
The Impact of Each Story: "If you meet one person who lives with MS and you hear their story, you've heard one story about MS. Everybody's journey is very, very different... Each one is different. Each one is unique. Each one has an impact, but the most important part is that each one is a real story and it's about a person."
LINKS:
MS Navigator: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Support/Ask-an-MS-Navigator
National MS Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org
 

Resilient Heart: Lauren Conant’s Path from MS Caregiver to Nurse Practitioner

Resilient Heart: Lauren Conant's Path from MS Caregiver to Nurse Practitioner Today we have a remarkable individual whose journey has been shaped by love, resilience, and devotion. A passionate young woman from Colorado, she has embraced the outdoors with an adventurous spirit, skiing, biking, and running through life's challenges. But what makes her story truly extraordinary is her unwavering commitment to family and community.
Growing up as an only child, she faced a unique situation, one that forced her to shoulder responsibilities beyond her years. Her mother's battle with secondary progressive MS became the catalyst for her unwavering dedication, propelling her towards an inspiring career path in nursing. With an empathetic heart, she aspires to become a Nurse Practitioner, eager to give back to her community, just as healthcare workers did for her beloved mother.
Join us as we delve into the experiences that forged her character, the triumphs, and tribulations that shaped her path, and the profound impact of her mother's resilience on her life's purpose. This is a tale of hope, determination, and the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her disabled mother. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation that will touch your heart and illuminate the remarkable strength that emerges from life's most unexpected journeys."
   

Spokes of Strength: Bike MS Panel Conversations

Spokes of Strength: Bike MS Panel Conversations
Welcome to "The Other Side of MS," where we explore the untold stories and challenges faced by individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
In this episode, we bring together three extraordinary individuals who have been personally impacted by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our guests include Bobby Small, Erik Henderson, and Cher Herrman-Darville, each with their unique stories and experiences.

Bobby Small
An east coast native from Northern Virginia, Bobby now resides in Littleton, Colorado. By day, he serves as a dedicated relationship builder for a prominent software company, but when the sun sets, he immerses himself in a world of creativity. From writing and acting to playing music and solving crosswords, Bobby embraces a life filled with diverse passions. Yet, there is one mission that drives his spirit like no other—his unwavering dedication to the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
Bobby's own journey with MS began in 2003 when he received a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS. Faced with this life-altering news, he made a powerful decision—to become an advocate for those living with the disease. Bobby's quest for knowledge led him to volunteer on the Denver MS Walk committee and eventually paved the way to his participation in the impactful MS Bike events across Virginia, Maryland, and Colorado.
Donate to Bobby Small's Bike MS Fundraiser

Erik Henderson
Hailing from the vibrant city of Boston, Erik found his way to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994. He pursued his passion for Geography at Jacksonville University (JU), where he acquired a degree that would later fuel his professional endeavors. Erik's expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) became his gateway to the GIS industry, leading him to contribute to CSX's GIS Department for 14 years. Today, he continues to shape the landscape of GIS as part of Esri, a globally recognized GIS software provider, overseeing the railroad market.
Erik's journey with Bike MS began in 2009 when he first rode alongside Team CSX. However, it was during his second Bike MS ride that Erik's life took an unexpected turn. He received a misdiagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, a moment that would become a defining chapter in his story. This pivotal experience ignited a fervent dedication to ensuring that others would not face a similar misdiagnosis, and he committed himself to the cause.
Donate to Erik Henderson's Bike MS Fundraiser

Cher Herrman-Darville
A loving mother of three wonderful adult children and a proud grandmother of three little ones. Her relocation to Colorado in 2021 brought her closer to family and allowed her to indulge in the outdoor wonders of the region. Cher's passion for hiking has become a new-found adventure, as she sets her sights on conquering her first 14er this year. With a diagnosis of MS, Cher found solace in Bike MS, where she discovered a supportive community and a platform to raise awareness about the disease.
Donate to Cher Herman-Darville's Bike MS Fundraiser

In My Mother’s Footsteps: Christopher Trigger’s Story

In My Mother's Footsteps: Christopher Trigger's Story Prepare to be captivated by a truly inspiring story on this week's episode of "The Other Side of MS" podcast! Join us as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Christopher, a remarkable individual whose life took an unexpected turn when he was confronted with a life-altering diagnosis.
From a young age, Christopher witnessed his mother's courageous battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), gaining a profound appreciation for her strength and resilience. Little did he know that his own path would intersect with this challenging disease years later.
In this compelling episode, Christopher takes us on a rollercoaster ride through his personal experiences with MS. It all began with mysterious symptoms that left him puzzled and searching for answers. But when a sudden visual impairment struck, he knew that his life was about to change forever.
With the support of medical professionals and a newfound determination, Christopher embraced a proactive approach to his diagnosis. Through lifestyle changes, including a transformative diet and a commitment to regular exercise, he defied the odds and regained control over his life.
But Christopher's story doesn't end there. Experience the incredible power of the Bike MS community, an annual event that became a cornerstone of his journey. As he shares his love for cycling and its profound impact on his physical and mental well-being, prepare to be inspired and motivated by his story.
Tune in to "The Other Side of MS" podcast to join Christopher on his path to resilience, hope, and triumph. Be ready to witness the incredible strength of the human spirit as he rides not only for himself but for all those touched by MS.
Don't miss this episode, coming soon! Subscribe now to be the first to listen and be inspired. Stay tuned for an incredible story that will leave you in awe of the indomitable human spirit.
Donate to Christopher's Bike MS Fundraiser

40 Years of Love, Adventure, and Giving: The Journey of Team Seb

40 Years of Love, Adventure, and Giving: The Journey of Team Seb! 🚴‍♂️  Get Ready Cycling enthusiasts! Tune in to this light-hearted and inspirational episide featuring Steve and Ilene, an extraordinary couple dedicated to the Bike MS ride in San Antonio. They share their heartfelt journey, starting with a heartbreaking loss that transformed into a powerful tribute. From being ride co-chairs to top fundraisers, their commitment, passion, and unwavering determination have contributed to raising over $7 million collectively for MS research. Join us now to be amazed by their incredible journey, hear their touching stories, find motivation, and discover the power of giving back. 🎙️💙 Donate to Ilene
Donate to Steve
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