Re-posted with permission from the Plymouth Observer
Local firm racks up miles, donations to help M.S. patients
A Plymouth Township company last week marked 10 years of generosity toward the Michigan chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, a consulting engineering firm, has been participating since 2001 in the society's cycling fund-raising events, logging thousands of miles and an estimated $200,000 in total contributions.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that affects movement. The M.S. Society raises money to help M.S. patients — there are about 18,000 in Michigan — and for medical research.
This year alone, some 25 CRA cyclists — employees, friends and business associates who bike under the name CRA Metro Wings — expect to raise between $15,000 and $20,000 this year in the M.S. Society's three two-day Michigan bicycle rides. The Bavarian Breakaway (based in Frankenmuth), with a maximum distance of 200 miles, took place Saturday and Sunday and was the last ride of the season.
"It's good to participate in something like this, where people are helping others," said Fred Blickle of Northville Township, an environmental engineer and CRA vice president.
Blickle founded the Metro Wings and is the team's captain emeritus. He participated this year in the M.S. Society's Mid-Michigan Breakaway, a round trip between Fenton and Michigan State University in July (Blickle put in 175 miles). Cyclists spent a night in an MSU dormitory, and ate in the cafeteria, before making the trek back.
"It's just a very positive event, and I think it does a fine job of raising awareness to the community," Blickle said.
CRA's effort began in 2001, Blickle said, when several employees and friends informally participated in an M.S. Society ride. After that, he said, they organized a team and found local corporate sponsors to help with fund-raising.
"I think if you can help others, you should do that," Blickle said. "I think everybody should devote a certain amount of time to helping others and helping your community."
The CRA Metro Wings co-captains this year are Jeni Quigley, an environmental engineer, and Matt Abdallah, a construction superintendent who took part in the Bavarian Breakaway.
Abdallah, of Commerce Township, has a personal motivation for his involvement: three aunts suffer from multiple sclerosis. For one of them, "just making toast in the morning is like a 75-mile bike ride," he said.
"Puts a lump in my throat," Abdallah said of his involvement. "When I'm struggling on the bike, there're no excuses.
"It's nothing compared to the everyday — just getting out of bed" for his aunts, he said.
The CRA Metro Wings mean a lot to Pam Beaudry of Fenton, who was diagnosed with M.S. 14 years ago. Beaudry is a "power partner," or honorary team member, for three cycling teams, including the Metro Wings. Her job is to provide inspiration and motivation to the cyclists.
"These guys and girls are just incredible," Beaudry said. "Their hearts, they have the kindest hearts, and the love that I give them I get in return and it strengthens me."
Beaudry and her husband, Doug, each year use a car to follow cyclists during the Mid-Michigan Breakaway, with Pam taking photographs of the moving cyclists and offering them hugs and encouragement during rest stops.
"I do a lot of crying cause I'm so overwhelmed at what they're doing," Beaudry said.
