It’s a lifelong disease for which there is no known cure … yet.
This is why fundraisers, such as with the ‘MS Sydney to Gong Ride’, are so vital while the search for a cure continues.
Taking part on November 5 in his 14th ride, Menai Dad Damien Young was diagnosed with MS in 2008 after first experiencing symptoms in 2006.
After starting on a new treatment in 2009, he felt strong enough to take part in his first ride and put together his team called ‘The Young Guns’.
Together they have raised over $150,000 and this year, riding alongside Damien will be his Dad Alan and son Sam, 10.
He also has daughters Beth, 12, and Emma, 5, who will join his wife Georgie in the sideline support crew.
Damien said that despite being an old hand at the Gong Ride, it’s always a challenge.
“I couldn’t run two kilometres but cycling is different, although I’m heat sensitive and so have to wear an ice vest to keep my body temperature down. Otherwise, I lose sensation in my hands and my vision deteriorates,” he said.
Tackling the 54km ride (there is also an 82-km route), it usually takes Damien about four hours to complete the challenge but he says there is a lot to enjoy along the way as you pedal through the natural beauty of the Royal National Park, enjoy the incredible ocean view from Stanwell Tops and ride over the breathtaking Sea Cliff Bridge before crossing the finish line in Wollongong.
“It’s going to be different this year having three generations of us riding together; I’m really looking forward to it,” he added.
To make a donation: https://bit.ly/samgong23.
Three generations pedal out on MS Gong Ride to help find cure
ONE in three of us will be directly impacted by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) through being diagnosed ourselves or having a diagnosed family member, friend or colleague.
