This year Dr. Gail Brown of Smithsburg Family Medical Center will participate in the MS Bike Ride for the fourth consecutive year. She rides in memory of her brother Gary, who waged a fourteen-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Remembering the fun times they had riding through the suburbs of Chicago, Dr. Brown is glad to have a way to connect her love of cycling with MS research.

Dr. Brown has seen firsthand what this disease can do to people in the prime of their lives, robbing them of the ability to move. She’s reminded of her mission to end the devastating effects of MS when Team Lamberts is greeted at the finish line by team leader Gordon “Gordo” Jayne, a wheelchair bound MS patient who sought her out for her enthusiasm during her first MS ride.

She rides to remember her brother, her inspiration and support in becoming a doctor; to provide hope to those still battling MS; and because she believes we can find a cure.

You can support MS research by participating in the MS Bike Ride or by making a donation. For more information, visit Dr. Brown’s page on the national Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site at www.nmss-md.org.