Bikers pedal to benefit fight on MS

Thu June 22 2006
Posted Jun 22, 2006
7,984

On June 24th and 25th, 2006, fellow deputy sheriffs' Ben Veren and Tim Hungerford will be joining me in the 2006 MS150, a two-day, 150-mile bike ride. We are doing this together to fight the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS usually strikes adults in the prime of life between the ages of 20 and 50. It is a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain and spinal cord. One new case of MS is diagnosed every hour. It may come and go unpredictably, leaving people to wonder, "Will I become paralyzed, blind or have trouble walking? Will I be able to raise my family and continue my career?" We ride as "Team Jake" in honor of Jake Osgood, the current Mayor of State Center and former Police Chief, who was diagnosed with MS in 1996. He found the answers to the above questions. His progressive form of MS forced him to retire from law enforcement in 1998 at the age of 35 and he relies on an electric wheelchair and a handicap-equipped vehicle for transportation. We also ride in honor of other Marshall County employees who are affected by MS. We are not bicycle enthusiasts. We are on the road to a cure, supporting programs, services and research to help approximately 4,000 families statewide and 400,000 families nationwide touched by MS. Last year our team was the fourth highest fundraising Bike Tour Team in Iowa thanks to you helping make a difference. I am asking for your continued support of this cause. A contribution or pledge can be left in the envelopes posted in the civil office or by the jailer time clock. Contributions can be directed to my attention at the Sheriff's Office or you may pledge online at www.nationalmssociety.org where you can locate the epledge symbol (pink heart) and follow the instructions for a secure donation in support of our team. Checks should be made payable to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Thank you in advance. Steve Hoffman, Chief Jailer