Locals Ride Coast To Coast For Multiple Sclerosis

Over a thousand cyclists will be stopping in Lacey Township tomorrow as part of the MS Coast to Coast Bike Tour, hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society New Jersey Metro Chapter.

Committeeman David Most will be participating with a team from Oyster Creek Generating Station. Most, who is an employee at Oyster Creek, will be biking for a colleagues wife, Gail Derr, who lost her battle to MS, an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, on Jan. 31, 2011.

“She lived each day to the fullest and lived her life only to better the lives of each and every one of us…her remarkable spirit and determination will live on through all those she has touched,” the team’s webpage said. 

Most’s team is made up of two other Oyster Creek employees, Richard Brown and Thomas Czech. Brown is also a Lacey resident.

The Oyster Creek team will be participating in the ride that starts at Monmouth University on Saturday and finishes at Pinelands Regional Junior High School in Little Egg Harbor, which is 85 miles. On Sunday, riders who opted to continue will ride from the Pinelands Regional Junior High School and finishes in Cape May, another 85 miles.

“The employees, families and friends of Oyster Creek have formed a team in memory of Gail Derr for the MS Bike Tour. We know that riding 150 miles is nowhere near as difficult as confronting a lifetime with multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society gives us all reason to hope, though,” the site says.

Over 400,000 people in America are living with MS, according to the National MS Society. Although research has advanced over the years, disease management drugs and therapies are all that is offered for those suffering with the debilitating disease.

The money raised from the bike tour goes towards research projects as well as education, programs, and services for those affected by the disease.

So far, Oyster Creek’s team has raised $3,794; over $700 more than their goal and Most believes they will add another $1,000 to their total before the tour.

Most bought a rode bike particularly for this event just four months ago. To prepare he runs 30 to 50 miles on the weekend and bikes often. Most started training by riding 20 miles at a time. His bike now has over 400 miles on it.

Most has been very active as a volunteer as he has participated in events such as the Relay for Life in the past.

“You really hear wonderful stories about people surviving. And it’s amazing how it pays you back as far as meeting people. It gives you a boost of energy that you’re really helping out as far as research,” Most said of his volunteer experiences.

Maryellen Gervsini, who recently raised over $1,000 at a pasta dinner night held at Community Hall, is another Lacey resident who will also be participating in the bike tour.

This is Gervsini’s eleventh year doing the bike tour and she will be riding 170 miles to the Pinelands. Gervsini is a part of a 26-man team, made up primarily of family and friends. The team has risen close to $11,000.

“It’s a fun ride. It’s challenging,” Gervsini said. “The people make the ride.”

Over the course of ten years, Gervsini has become friends with many of the cyclists who ride year after year.

Gervsini started riding the bike tour in support of her friend’s mother who had MS but she has since been diagnosed with the disorder as well.

“For me, it’s more about rising money. Having MS I realize how important it is to raise money to fund research programs and help people who need monetary help.” Gervsini said.

Gervsini has been asked to participate in two drug trials. She opted out but noted that the MS Society is very active in research.

“Hopefully in the next 5 to 10 years, we’ll see a cure. Hopefully even sooner,” Gervsini said.

Cedar Creek Elementary School in Lanoka Harbor is a rest stop for the cyclists. Stop by the Lacey school to support the riders from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.