‘I cycled 30K for the MS Society of Canada!’

What I did: 30K bike ride
The cause: MS Society of Canada
What we raised: $21,800

I work for EMD Sereno, a Canadian pharmaceutical company, providing support to patients who are on our multiple sclerosis therapy and I also have friends who have MS; their journey has taught me to never take anything for granted, and their resilience and perseverance are what motivates me to do this ride each year. We participate in the Toronto MS Bike Tour as a company team, and the funds raised from the ride in September go directly toward MS research and providing support services to Canadians with the disease.

As team leader, I encouraged my teammates while they were fundraising by rewarding them with a pair of hand-knit socks, cookies or handmade jewelry once they reached their minimum fundraising goal of $300. I also sewed a quilt and organized a raffle within the office, donating all the funds to the MS Bike Tour. To train for the ride, I used a stationary bike three to five times a week at my gym. I’ve had injuries and issues with my legs in the past, so I also worked with a personal trainer. We had the biggest team this year, with 50 people and some of the youngest cyclists, and raised the most: $21,800!