MS Bike Race

Last month I had the opportunity once again to be a co-chair, along with Gerald Grady and Rich Howell, for the North Florida MS Bike Race. More than 45 CSX employees, family and friends participated to benefit research and awareness in multiple sclerosis. I was glad to be a part of it.

My 10-year-old daughter and I also participated last year. We helped to staff the CSX tent that's sent up at the end of the race. It provides a place where the riders can stop by, sit down and rest, grab a bite to eat and talk over their experiences. Clarence Gooden and his group sponsored the tent for its first year in 2007. This year, CSX's David Brown and Skip Elliott were sponsors. Administrative assistant Deanna Hedrick was a huge help with the food service and all of the amenities we tried to provide for the riders.

I've volunteered for many causes over the years, primarily with former Jacksonville Jaguars Coach Tom Coughlin and his Jay Fund. He established the fund in memory of a college player who died of leukemia. I had a niece who died at age eight from leukemia, so I knew I wanted to help out.

It's funny how these things work out. Through the Jay Fund, I met people in the MS group. I'd heard that one of my favorite actresses, Teri Garr, from Young Frankenstein, was coming to town to speak about MS. She has suffered from the disease for a number of years. So I got to meet her at an MS luncheon at a hotel in downtown Jacksonville. You forget her handicaps from MS - she has one arm that is entirely useless and a bad limp - while having a nice conversation with her. That's what began my volunteer activities with the MS race.

My daughter and I will definitely be back. I bought Rich Howell's old bike last year. Maybe next year I'll actually ride.