Welcome to the Mark's Tsunami Riders home page. I'm the "Mark" in the team name. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in January 2000 after nine months of tests and four neurologists later. (I suspect that this is fairly typical given that there isn't a "Multiple Sclerosis test", but rather lots of diagnostic tests, a process of elimination, and clinical evidence.) My MS (what a wonderful thing to own!) is currently taking a generally progressive course with many of the typical symptoms of weakness, fatigue, pain, and "internal systems" problems which we don't need to detail (" TMI - Too Much Information"). So much for martial arts, step-aerobics, bowling, tennis, and long walks in the park with my wife Betty. So much for being a dynamo at work. So much for sitting down or resting comfortably. So much for ... (oops - TMI). And I'd guess that I am generally only in the middle of the MS deficits continuum. My utmost respect to those coping with worse symptoms while maintaining positive attitudes.

But what I do have is the support of my family and friends, and a wonderful neurologist who treats me like a family member (or maybe better!) 

I think that everybody feels somewhat helpless in coping with Multiple Sclerosis. There is no cure, existing medications are marginally effective and at best stop gaps, and research takes time (especially when hindered by the current administration's views, as opposed to the majority of Americans, on stem cell research - but no more politics for today).

So out of this feeling of helplessness and frustration rises the MS 150 and all the corporate and family & friends teams, trying to do something positive towards finding a cure and bringing hope not only to those of us with MS, but everyone surrounding us who are also affected.

Betty began mobilizing our team right after she participated in the 2002 MS 150.  Her goal has been focused on fundraising first, and riding second. Considering how hard she trains, that should give you an idea of her fundraising efforts. In 2003, the team launched with seven riders and raised over $25,000. In 2005, the team grew to eighteen riders and a goal (which we surpassed) of $50,000! 

Betty relentlessly uses all types of tactics to encourage the team (both the riders and volunteers), including personally providing team jerseys and a Meet the Riders Party bash every year, as well as soliciting individual and corporate sponsors. We have corporate sponsors who have purchased mile markers and contributed towards team T-shirts. The team has stood on street corners with donation buckets, run yard sales, sold MS Teddy Bears, and MS Hope bracelets. We heavily leverage employer matching gift programs. The team is also supporting the NMSS Pedal Partners program, where riders wear bandanas with personal words of encouragement from people with MS.

All in all, this has been quite a remarkable journey - "when one door closes, another door opens." (-- author unknown)

Not quite the door I expected to open, but I now have encountered additional challenges in 2006 with an additional diagnosis of Stage 3B lung cancer (guess all those years of not smoking didn't help much!) The cancer combined with the MS provides a complex terrain that I, my doctors, and my family must negotiate. If all goes as planned, I should start feeling better in mid to late summer. For now, it is one day at a time dealing with daily radiation treatments and weekly chemotherapy. But of course, I still am getting the "But you look so good" comments, so all must be well!

My deepest personal heartfelt thanks to Betty and all the riders, volunteers, and sponsors of Mark's Tsunami Riders. -- Mark Stewart