From March 7 to March 8, a team of 12 faculty, staff and students in NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences participated in the Multiple Sclerosis 150 Bike Ride to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis.
The team raised nearly $5,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and was led by Joann Gallichio, team captain and assistant professor of physical therapy.
Gallichio said the bike ride offered an amazing opportunity for the college as it is devoted to the development of health care professionals and consists of health care professions.
“The event allowed all programs to unite as one team to raise money to fight a disease that many of us have treated patients with in the past or current students will treat in the future,” she said.
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Adrienne Lauer, who participated in the bike ride, said she has worked with many individuals who have MS at many stages in recovery.
“MS has been and remains one of the most challenging diseases for clients and therapists to address,” she said. “We collectively did a great job to raise the amount of money but also to finish the task at hand: riding to raise awareness.”
Many of the team members know someone with MS and were riding in her or his honor. Terry Morrow, assistant dean of student affairs in CHCS, was riding in honor of her mother who has had MS for 25 years.
“She challenges herself just to walk to the front door every day,” Morrow said. “I can channel that same level of courage and perseverance to push through a few extra miles on my bike for a weekend.”
Others participated because they love to ride and enjoyed a weekend building relationships with colleagues while raising money for a good cause.
Gallichio said for such a small team, she was happy with the outcome and looks forward to forming a bigger team next year and raising even more money.
“The college is looking to have a bigger team and increase our fundraising efforts. Believe it or not, planning for the next year’s ride will start in a few months,” Gallichio said. “You don’t have to be a super cyclist to participate and there are one-day ride options available too.”
Lauer said the college hopes to extend the team to other colleges and the undergraduate population next year and build on what they have started.
“It is a great opportunity to have faculty, administration and students involved in like goals for the community,” she said.
Gallichio said the organization and execution of this ride was fantastic.
“All of the riders were well fed and hydrated along the way, as well as before and after the rides on both days,” she said. “Even with strong headwinds, I always think about the struggles people with MS have and know that I am fortunate to be able to ride for two days with only temporary struggles and aches.”
Morrow said learning and development occur inside and outside the classroom and the bike ride is an example of a memorable experience that cultivates a person’s life.
“It was a great event that inspired each of us to push through challenges, take care of one another, sacrifice for the greater good and have fun; these are lessons that each of us can apply to our academic, professional, civic and personal lives,” she said.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of sharkfins.nova.edu
