2008 River Road Run August 16-17, 2008

Dear Friends,

Once again I will join over 200 motorcyclists August 16th and 17th riding to end the devastating effects of MS. As you know last year I was honored to be the Ambassador for this event. This year, the honor is to let all of my friends and family know that while still on my daily injections of Copaxone, my doctor reports that I am healthier (as far as MS goes) than ever and with this course of treatment - I may even be better than in previous years.

In May, I also survived, very well I might add, volunteering atMS Camp for my second year.

Thank you for supporting me in helping others and to be the change I want to become.

Because of your generous support, I was one of the top fundraisers for this event last year. My goal again this year is to raise at least $10,000 – a goal you graciously helped me meet. Please help me again with your tax-deductible donations. Remember to check with your employer, as many businesses match contributions made by employees.

If you would like to contribute via the Internet, please log on to www.mssociety.org. You will find on the left hand side towards the bottom of the menu’s an icon for ePledge – sponsor a Participant. Search for me and then select me from the short list.

Otherwise, please make your checks payable to the National MS Society. If your place of business matches your contribution, let me know so I can keep track of contribution totals. My deadline to get my donations is Friday, August 15th, 2008. After the event, I will make sure I send you a recap of the event to all my sponsors.

Thank you so much for your support of me and the fight against MS. Please call me if you have any questions or comments about this event. I can be reached at 612-236-9420 or by email at douglyon@tech4learning.com

Sincerely,

Camp Survival 2008 Preparing for the River Road Run

In May, I survived very well, MS Camp for my second year.  My first year volunteering, I was apprehensive about MS Camp because I didn’t know what to expect. The second year my apprehension grew because I knew exactly what to expect. However, the 2nd year I quickly was reconnect with my family I realized I had missed all year.  It has become a special experience for me to strengthen the bond with friends and meet new people.  Being a part of providing such a positive experience for so many people has more rewards than I imagined.  I have seen first hand how far your dollars have gone to help these individuals.

Stopping my life for a week and getting to know people I likely would not have meet in my daily life is also very rewarding.  It makes me know more about why I am who I am, who I want to be and most importantly why you and all of my friends are such an important part of my life.

I know it is difficult to understand with words how powerful of an experience MS Camp can be. I see people living with this crazy disease which has devastating effects in how they live. I also see amazing examples of the human spirit in such a different way than I could have imagined. It is amazing to be a part of helping people with MS live their lives. And doing it well.

Thank you for supporting me in helping others and to be the change I want to become.