MS Bike Ride (for Koo Keri)

Ok, I know that there are alot of you oldtimes around that still lurk.  I was informed a few months ago that one of our oldie moldies has been diagnosed with MS.   Her name is Koo Keri she is also known as Keri Z.  Keri and I became good friends when we trained for the Honolulu Marathon.  She is really one plucky person. Those who know her knew she has had her ups and downs.  She is now in the fight for her life.  She was diagnosed the a very aggressive form of MS!  She has to now walk with a walker she falls quite a bit.  Her best friend Kyle adopted a baby boy and Keri is unable to even hold the baby.  Her disease is progressing pretty rapidly. I am really sad by this as Keri is a very independent woman who if she can do it all herself. She is so not used to having to depend on people.  So here is what I am doing. I will be riding in the MS bike ride from Camarillo to Santa Barbara it will be 100 mile trek.  The next day I will come back from Santa Barbara to Camarillo that will only be 75 miles as we will not be going thru Santa Paula and Ojai.  I am raising funds in Keri's name. Cuz those who know her know she would do it for them.  So I am asking that when I sign up to officially due it.  I need to get paid before I do it to please support me in my goal to raise a minimum of $500.00.  The ride will be Sept 21 & 22.  It will not be easy but I will give it my all and then some more.  I will climb every hill and fly down every hill to meet this goal.  I may not be fast. As Keri and I said when we ran we called ourselves turtles " Slow and Steady gets it done." I may be last with saddle sores and all but I will do it. Thanks for your kindness. Liz

OMG Liz....Keri just IM'd me and you for sure can count me in for the support!

Ohmigosh, Liz, I am so touched by your support here!  I  haven't been on OH in years at this point!  Yes, I'd be an old-timer here.... Yes, sadly, I have been struck by MS out of the blue - was healthy - or so I thought - and then suddenly I wasn't.  I'm struggling with all of this new lifestyle I have.  It is pretty rotten - but I'm fighting....not going down easy in any way!  My doctors are treating the MS aggressively, as my prognosis is pretty crappy... but like I said - and will keep saying - I'm fighting and I'm not going down.  I'm not! Liz is wonderful and I'm so glad she is going to be able to ride with Kyle.  Cycling has never been my thing....but I am toying with the idea of doing one of the short parts of the ride (I think they have a 30 mile leg somewhere in there).  Or there is a HUGE 2day walk for MS as well - I walk much better than cycle - or rather, I USED to walk much better....now I hobble - and I see double and have vertigo - but my true hope is that within another month or two of receiving this new treatment - those symptoms will be gone - and I can continue to fight and get myself in the best shape I've ever been! Anyone in the LA area who wants to: come walk with me (short walks), go on bike rides with me or my best friend, Kyle, you are more than welcome!  I can even provide a bike for the day if you're interested... My email is: [email protected] XOXO to all of my old friends, Keri

   Keri

I am so sorry to hear this has happened, But if anyone can come out of this on top it's you. I know you will. Look at all the things you did after your weight loss. I was so happy to see you sking and everything. I thought what a fiesty lady, and you are! 

Keep fighting hard, and I will be saying prayers for you and sending positive thoughts and good vibes. 

My daughter was diagnosed with MS. shortly after her daughter was born about 2 years ago, but it's nothing like you have, at least not at the moment. They told her it could change at any time. It's so scary for me as a mom, I can only imagine what it is like being the one that has it. 

 Stay in touch with all your friends out here on the board too Keri. I sure do miss you.

It's wonderful to see you posting, I just wish that it was under better cir *** stances.

I will be thinking positive thoughts and you will be in my prayers to sweetie.

Have a beautiful day and an awesome weekend.

Koo Koo, I have often wondered what adventure you were up to.  I was thinking you must have skydived from every country in the world by now I am sorry that this crap ha**** you, but I am glad that it hasn't taken your spirit. Whatever is needed, money, walking, you name it (except for bike riding, my fat ass doesn't do bikes at all - no balance), I am there. My boys and I are thinking of you and I hope you don't mind if we pray for you and put you on our group chains. XOXO XOXO Jillie

((((((((((Keri))))))))))))) So good to see you again and I am so sorry to read about you having MS. You are a fighter though and I know that you will continue to fight! I would love to walk with you and talk with you and catch up on life!

I can walk with you, if you want me to?

I don't have a bike so, I don't know if I can ride that far, or even close to it. But I do know I can walk, and I would be honered to walk with you.

I think you have my email, so let me know.

Love ya girl

Lu

Keri, Well, ugggh! Wish I new what to say. What I do know is that you are a fighter. Know that I'm with you in spirit my friend! xoxoxo, Rachel

I, too, have a close friend who is battling with MS. Bearing any unforeseen cir****tances, you can count on me to volunteer my time at the event and to donate as much as I can (for a non working student, the time is easier to give...)

Keri from your post you seem like a strong positive person and have a great support network. We'll all be there for you!

You can count on some $ from us.  I'm thinking $50.00 at this point.  We'll see about helping with the actual ride/marathon.  I've known about Keri for a while now and wasn't sure she was "out" with it yet.  Keri, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, and you're always in our prayers.  Good luck! -Donna