Five years ago this summer, at the age of 25, I attained my dream career and was hired as a police officer with the Camrose Police Service. In the fall of 2005 I began to have a number of symptoms that were similar to ones that I had felt in 2000. In 2000, the symptoms were diagnosed as a vitamin deficiency, and after 6 or so weeks, they went away and all was back to normal. So, in 2005 it was first thought that I was having the same issue again. However, this time the symptoms become so bad that I could not walk, lost 80% of my vision and had an energy level of pretty much zero.
Once a few MIR's were done and visits to the neurologists it was determined that I had relapsing/remitting MS. So, next was to tell the Chief of Police. About this time I couldn't walk up stairs and my outlook was bleak to say the least. Telling the Chief about my diagnosis was very tough as I had no idea if I would still have a job and what they would say about it. To his credit he was amazing and told to me go get healthy and my job was never in jeopardy. After about 6 weeks of the symptoms they finally subsided and I had a 100% recovery. So, I was back on the street with a self imposed condition with the Chief that I was not to be treated as a charity case and expected no favors due to my MS.
I was then put on Copaxone and have been taking it ever since. Since the Copaxone I have had two little relapses, but they have come with a full recovery. This past fall, I was selected into my career goal at just over 4 years of service. I was accepted in to the K9 Unit and given my new partner, Tucker.
The 2008 ride was a fantastic weekend and I felt great. I was able to meet tons of people and share my story on the road with a number of people. On stage receiving the standing "O" was humbling to say the least. I’m looking forward to the 2009 Tour.
21st Annual
June 12 & 13, 2010
Thank you cyclists!
On June 12 & 13, 2010, 1900 cyclists smashed all records and raised almost $1.7 million for MS.
2010 Bike Tour photos coming shortly!
Survey
We want your feedback so that we can make next year’s Tour even better.
Smile – you’re on Camera at the Sunday finish line!
Marathon Photos will once again be coming out to the Sunday finish line of the bike tour to capture your finish line moment! You can purchase your photo through the Marathon Photos website shortly after the Tour.
Everything
you need to know about the RONA MS Bike Tour!
Whether your walking, cycling or golfing to end MS, it's more fun doing it as a team. The best part is the MS Society staff is here to help. We provide everything you need to create a fun-filled team of people you'd like to walk, ride or golf with - family, friends, co-workers, hockey buddies, book club members - you get the idea. Experience the camaraderie and excitement of a team while helping us end MS!
The team concept is simple, it is 4 plus more! We invite you to join with at least three of your friends, family and co-workers to create your own team. All you need to do is come up with a team name and we will take care of the rest! Our staff will reduce the demand on your time and resources with on-going support and motivational activities and incentives.
For more information on how to get you team started please contact the staff listed at the bottom of this page.
Create a team, Create a future free of MS!
Need help to grow your team? Here are a few things to help you out:
Have the MS Society Staff come to you and present an Information Session - to book please call 780-463-1190
Download a poster to help with Team Recruitment
Download a donation thermometer to let everyone know your progress.
