Hundreds of cyclists will set out Saturday, Aug. 24, for Bike MS: Seacoast Escape, to make a difference in the lives of nearly 1 million people living with multiple sclerosis in the U.S.
Among them will be Patrick “Batman” Garrett, of Nashua, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2004.
MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.
“My diagnosis prompted me to take action, and that meant getting strong in order to be ready both physically and mentally for what unknowns MS might deliver,” Garrett said.
Ready to take on his 15th ride, Garrett said, “I hope to raise awareness about what someone with MS is capable of, despite the diagnosis.”
This year, cyclists are inspired by a new study conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that shows more than twice as many people in the U.S. are living with MS than previously thought.
“I was shocked by the seemingly overnight drastic increase in people with MS,” he said. “I suppose that along with advances in treatments also comes advances in diagnosis.”
To prepare for the ride, Garrett said he likes to stay active.
“I run, ride and work out in general, but I often find myself gutting it out in the end,” Garrett said. “Secretly, I kind of like that part.”
Garrett has a fundraising goal of $1,500.
Bike MS: New Hampshire Seacoast Escape starts at 7:30 a.m., at Stratham Hill Park, 270 Portsmouth Ave. (Route 33), in Stratham, N.H. There are two routes from which to choose — 25 miles or 60 miles. To register or for more information, visit bikeMS.org or call 855-372-1331.
