BIKING TO BEAT MS

Ozone Park resident Catherine Tsigakos and Massapequa resident Mike Zimits will participate in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society's New York City chapter bike ride on October 5 to complete their MS Great-8 cycling series.
Tsigakos' brother, Peter, was diagnosed with MS, which is a disease of the central nervous system. After the diagnosis, she and her family began working with the MS Society, including participating in fundraising walks.
About five years ago, Tsigakos met Zimits, a co-worker of her brothers who was diagnosed with MS 11 years ago. He had been an active rider in society bike rides and when he met Tsigakos, he asked her to make a donation. Rather than make a donation, she wanted to get actively involved in the bike rides. However, there were two factors holding her back from doing so.
“I didn't know how to ride a bike and I didn't have a bike,” Tsigakos said.
But, that didn't stop her. Her brother purchased a bike, she began taking spin classes and soon joined Zimits' team.
About three years afterwards, the two decided to take their commitment even further by creating the MS Great-8 Foundation. The organization looks to raise MS awareness and funds for the MS Society by cycling in eight of the society's MS150 bike tours. They also want “to inspire those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis to take charge of their lives and not let MS control them.”
“We're doing what we can, Peter and I, because of people like the MS Society,” Zimits said.
During each bike ride, various cyclists join the effort. For instance, when they participate in the New York City Traffic Free Bike MS event, they will be joined by other cyclists from different states and even Switzerland. Tsigakos said that they encourage cyclists to raise funds year round.
“Mike and Cat have been involved with the New York City Chapter for many years and we are extremely grateful for their unending support and dedication,” said the chapter's president, Ruth Brenner. “The establishment of MS Great-8 has done so much to elevate MS awareness and Bike MS fundraising, not just here in the five boroughs, but around the country. As members of our Bike MS New York City Traffic Free Top Tier Teams, they are an inspiration to all our cyclists.”
Zimits said that the NYC bike ride is particularly special. Not only will it conclude this year's cycling series, but it is also where it all started.
Tsigakos' brother Peter will also be waiting at the finish line of this ride. Tsigakos said that he has developed a huge sense of pride for what his sister is doing and is one of her biggest advocates.
“He's a virtual member,” she said. “He's our number one fan.”
Zimits added that Peter is his biggest inspiration and a hero to him.
For more information on the MS Great-8 Foundation and how to get involved, visit www.msgreat8.org. More information on the Bike MS New York City Traffic Free can be found at www.bikeMSnyc.org.