Lion Sid Harrell at Bike MS
Apex Lion Sid Harrell is on a mission to raise some big bucks for Bike MS. Last year he raised $1000 but this year he has his sights set on $10,000. And he is so determined to make that goal, that he has offered to personally match donations (up to $5,000).
Here is what he had to say:
Hi! I’m Lion Sid Harrell and I bike with TeamCBC for MS. Last year, my first, I raised $1,000. This year my goal is $10,000. I have committed to match any contributions in my name & team to that end. Please follow the following process and help fight MS:
Go to: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/NCT/Donate
Click on “Support an Event Participant”
Enter: Sid, then: Harrell, then select “Find Individual or Team”
Select: Donate Now and continue from there.
Thank you for your support and consideration,
Lion Sid
Lion Sid is an exemplary member of the Apex Lions Club and we are very proud to support him in this effort.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
MS is a chronic disease that damages the nerves in the spinal cord and brain, as well as the optic nerves. Sclerosis means scarring, and people with MS develop multiple areas of scar tissue in response to the nerve damage. Depending on where the damage occurs, symptoms may include problems with muscle control, balance, vision, or speech.
MS Symptoms: Vision Problems
More than half of people with MS experience a vision problem called optic neuritis. This inflammation of the optic nerve may cause blurred vision, loss of color vision, eye pain, or blindness, usually in one eye. The problem is usually temporary and tends to improve within a few weeks. In many cases, vision problems are the first sign of MS.
MS Symptoms: Speech Problems
Although less common than vision problems, some people with MS develop slurred speech. This happens when MS damages the nerves that carry speech signals from the brain. Some people also have trouble swallowing.
Other MS Symptoms
MS can take a toll on mental sharpness. Some people may find it takes longer to solve problems. Others may have mild memory loss or trouble concentrating. Most people with MS also experience some loss of bladder control, because signals between the brain and bladder are interrupted. Finally, fatigue is a common problem. You may feel tired even after a good night’s sleep.
How MS Attacks
In people with MS, the body’s own immune system attacks the tissue surrounding the nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This covering is made of a fatty substance called myelin. It insulates the nerves and helps them send electrical signals that control movement, speech, and other functions. When myelin is destroyed, scar tissue forms, and nerve messages are not transmitted properly.
Diagnosing MS
Tests are often used, along with a medical history and neurological exam, to diagnose MS and rule out other causes of symptoms. More than 90% of people with MS have scar tissue that shows up on an MRI scan. A spinal tap can check for abnormalities in the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. Tests to look at electrical activity of nerves can also help with diagnosis. Lab tests can help rule out other autoimmune conditions or infections such as HIV or Lyme disease.