Jim Miller has suffered from lymphedema for the past forty-six years and has been a very encouraging and inspiring voice on this blog since it began over a year ago. He continues to infuse a certain spirit of optimism and confidence both on- and off-line by living an active lifestyle and participating in fundraisers for multiple sclerosis and childrens’ hospitals.
Most recently, Jim has committed to participating in the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of Bike MS, where he will be riding 150 miles on June 30th and July 1st to raise money for multiple sclerosis. Proceeds from this event are used to provide programs and services to over 11,000 individuals in Colorado and Wyoming living with MS, as well as fund critical research projects in hope of finding a cure. On his personal page, Jim says,
I am participating in the MS150 bike ride again because many of us – me, you, your neighbors, friends at work, school, church and social life – have been surprised with medical challenges in our lives. Whether you face MS or have faced cancer, Parkinson’s or Lymphedema, a community that provides personal support as well as fund raising and research support makes a huge difference.
I’m asking you to help with a tax-deductible donation to the National MS Society in my name to fund research, advocate for change, and help people with MS and their families lead powerful lives. I believe in the work they do and want to be part of it.
Multiple Sclerosis affects people in the prime of their lives, between the ages of 20 and 50. Every hour someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. More than 2.5 million people worldwide live with this unpredictable disease. Having multiple sclerosis means that you may suddenly have blurry vision, that your memory will fail you for no apparent reason, or that you may not always be able to walk, let alone ride a bike. The symptoms of MS are different for everyone – the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.
Some of you also know that I will be riding with a condition known as lymphedema. You can learn more about it at www.lymphedemacommunity.com or the National Lymphedema Network (www.lymphnet.org). My objective is to help others I meet understand the challenges of lymphedema as well as MS, and that with either condition it takes much personal attention and dedication to keep focused on a positive future.
If you would like to support Jim in his bike ride as well as help raise money for MS, please consider making a donation in his name by clicking here. Thank you for your support!
Go Jim! Very well written – every day is a good day to educate people about Lymphedema and how it affects so many people – I try to do the same. As a sidebar, I completed a triathlon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it was one of my greatest accomplishments. I knew I couldn’t use Lymphedema as a crutch anymore, and I was especially inspired to see people who had prosthetic limbs wearing Wounded Warriors shirts participating alongside me.
Rosie – thank you for the encouragement. And how exciting to have completed your triathlon. That is so great; good for you.
Good luck, Jim!!! Please report back! : )
Alexa, you are “so bad!” you are wonderful. Thank you for re-posting my MS ride information, and for your wonderfully kind words. Right now I am up north of you in Montreal finishing up a business trip. Home Thursday to a very hot and burning Colorado. They re-routed the ride to avoid one of I think 9 forest fires in Colorado. But I’m about as ready for the ride as I can get – and we’re off Saturday morning very early to beat the 100’s temperatures.
Bless you, young lady. Stay cool.
All the best – Jim.
:) always glad to brag about a fellow lymphie breaking the barriers of expectation! I love that you don’t let it get in the way of you staying active and doing what you love. That’s something we can all practice!
PS have you gotten my email about writing a guest post for the blog about your ride? Let me know!
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