Cyclists assist local MS patients

A group of 25 cross-country cyclists with Bike the U.S. of MS recently stopped in Whitefish to lend a hand with a few service projects. Led by founder Don Fraser, the group organizes cross-country bike trips that raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research and volunteer activities for MS patients.

The group seeks out MS patients along the cross-country route that need help with chores and other projects. In Whitefish they stopped to help paint a house and do yard work.

“We’re building awareness through the ride,” said Fraser, the founder and executive director of Bike the U.S. for MS. “We help people along the way who need it.”

Fraser was inspired to create the organization by his mother Nina who battled MS. This year, Bike the U.S. for MS has already raised more than $217,384. The funds being raised will be donated to several MS clinics around the country. A portion of the funds are also used to implement the various service projects that the team participates in during their journey.

The cyclists left Maine on May 28 and plan to be in Seattle by Aug. 4. The group biked through Glacier Park before stopping in Whitefish.

“Whitefish is a beautiful town,” Fraser said. “We like to make it a rest stop.”

The group will travel through Whitefish again next summer, Fraser said.

“We’ll be back next year if people want to ride with us or if they want to volunteer,” Fraser said.

For more information visit online at www.biketheusforms.org