Promoting Awareness

The mission of NEVER STOP NEVER QUIT is to raise funds, support treatment, and promote awareness in the fight against multiple sclerosis.

For about 2 months each year, I focus my sights on fundraising. It is a necessary tenet for the next part of my mission: supporting treatment, both disease-modifying and rehabilitative therapies. Treatments will save lives; money is needed to develop and enhance treatments. Both remain essential, but they are no longer forces that pull me from my bed and drive every action I take. Promoting awareness is my strategic communication volley, designed to shift behaviors, educate the public, and inspire action.

This past September, I began flooding my social media with clips and pictures documenting my life battling the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. I scold myself with words like Boring, Irrelevant, Embarrassing, and Repetitive, as I question the need to share every dirty little secret. In the past, others used those same words to challenge my need to post such details. “You don’t need to share all your issues,” they’d say. “Some things should remain private.”

Those Dirty Little Secrets Are Shifting Behaviors

The thought that airing my dirty multiple sclerosis laundry would be embarrassing or unpleasant is exactly why I need to continue. The disease inflicts its barrage of symptoms upon each person in a unique way, but most individual symptoms are common across the entire MS community.

When I talk in graphic detail about some of my bladder problems, a few viewers get it. There is an instant connection. My words soften the loneliness and isolation of MS by changing “no one understands…” to “yeah, I’m right there with you….” I received a direct message a week after one of my posts: “I got an orange urine bottle just like yours. It is a lifesaver!” That one made me smile. I’m okay with public embarrassment to reach those few.

Stories of times I fell into despair span my years of sharing. When my life centered on three things (work, alcohol, and fighting suicidal ideation), I was often alone. I didn’t know how to search for others fighting the same challenges and trying to find peace. Things should be different… If my posts make it through to your social media feed, you don’t need to find that needle in a haystack: someone who was/is going through similar challenges. I will share my flaws, my scars, not because I am proud of them. I do not think it is normal, but I know it is common. Like an alcoholic who has remained sober for 4094 days, my story is one of hope for a man who will never find his cure, but who will make every day matter!

Like the disease itself, my disclosures are a shotgun blast of sporadic prompts. I post messages about my bowel and bladder issues. Pictures I share include horrific cuts and scalding burns from accidents around the household. My disfigured body becomes the embodiment of “these are the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.” No person should feel isolated or ashamed because of their unique issues. My messages reinforce that sentiment.

Personal Disclosure Educates the Public

To the viewers outside of our MS community, I will not attempt to ease your comfort level regarding the disease. In absolutely no way is multiple sclerosis normal. It is an uncaring, draining shit show that never yields on its threats to destroy the lives of those inflicted and everyone around them. I am not trying to normalize MS but rather humanize those fighting the disease.

Here’s a recent example. Rather than focusing on the scientific aspects of disease progression and treatments (I leave that to the experts), I shared the elation of my “Easy Day” when I got to sit in the hospital for six hours with a needle in my arm. It was easy because I did not have another anaphylactic reaction or develop a staph infection again. I was not hospitalized for meningitis, suffered severe intestinal distress, or planned to spend the next three days bouncing off the walls, coming down from Solu-Medrol. I returned to my normal day of living, living as a regular person who suffers from a debilitating disease.

I don’t look for pity, but I will never pretend that nothing is wrong. When you look at my videos, when you check out my pictures on my blog posts, please remember that the nightmares of my experiences are not normal. They are the horrific result of my disease. They do not define me as a human, father, son, brother, family member, friend, loved one, author, nonprofit activist, or random blogger of offbeat videos and pictures. My actions drive those claims.

Inspiration: The Goal That Brings Us Back to the Start

My first reaction was to strip away the selfish reasons for sharing my stories. In retrospect, I realized how the therapeutic value I receive by unleashing my burdens is a textbook example of Supporting Treatment. Benefits from my self-care are an equal part of my media journey. A good day at the gym leads to a motivational video post or cartoon meme. Gratitude, thanks, and celebrations are common themes in my fight against the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. Every post I share about my monthly Garage Dayz 100-mile ride is a thin layer of pain and struggle, overshadowed by motivation, endurance, and celebration. Inspiration through example.

Mental and emotional therapies are essential components of the treatments needed to fight MS. Inspiring posts about my own successes have the chance to help others in their search for stability. I vow to make myself available to aid and assist; others often take me up on that offer. I will always be there for your fight.

As a PoNS Device® ambassador, I documented my treatment journey. Insurance would not cover the treatment, nor did the Department of Veterans Affairs authorize it, so I paid out of my own pocket. Gains from my use of the device, in coordination with intensive rehabilitation, became evident throughout the 14-week protocol. Promoting awareness of my success helped advance this therapy. Video journals and my testimonial are now part of Bioness Medical marketing (Witness Captain Byrne’s Progress Before and After PoNS Therapy). Approval of device access for veterans is an accomplishment I am proud to have helped secure.

Physical Therapies – Disease Modifying Therapies – Mental and Emotional Therapies

My messages support treatments, as well as the need for an individual’s cautious, well-informed approach. Benefits, side effects, and the all-too-familiar “It did nothing for me” are stressed throughout my incessant sharing.

Necesse est facere sumptum, qui quaerit lucrum (Wikiquote)

I love my high school Latin!

Written around 210 BC, by the Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, the general translation is “It takes money to make money.”

Let me expand on that…

It takes money to support treatment. It takes money to develop and advance new treatments.

Promoting awareness provides education and inspiration that help shift behaviors and support treatment. I live in that sentiment every day of my life. Sometime around the end of September, I will launch my 2026 campaign to raise money in support of our fight. The funny part is that it is often the most visible part of my direct interaction with our supporters. My videos are nothing more than me screaming into an iPhone; my words and images constructed in solitude. The void of social media is my confidant. My darkest years, greatest embarrassments, and biggest achievements are sent to everyone, yet no one in particular. I tried to make my fundraising messages personal, emphasizing the connection I share with each individual.

Since 2003, my efforts to promote awareness by shifting behaviors, educating the public, and inspiring action have helped raise $902,044.82.

Until late September comes, my blogs, quips, videos, and means are the reminder that I will never stop and I will never quit.

Because it is a fight.

The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.

It will never stop…nor will we

It will never quit…nor will we

This is why we fight for them!

 

Never Stop… Never Quit…^®

Follow, Shop, or Donate Today: https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com

 

Garage Dayz is a Permanent Fixture

Please donate to support our fight.

Direct to our Bike MS campaign: https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/Rogue

Other ways to donate (100% of the money goes to our Bike MS campaign. I pay all administrative costs): https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com/Donate

At the time, it seemed like a special event. A bonus ride piled on top of the annual bike MS excitement. 100 miles, one… more… time….

Slipping into my seat well before the sun’s first rays on February 17 will mark my six consecutive Garage Dayz century option. I can think of a better reason why I will ride every month in my justification for that first “one more time.” 

These are words I shared on September 30; they still stand true.

Never Stop… Never Quit…, for them

Renowned neurologist Rock Heyman practices out of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Multiple Sclerosis Care Center. In the Appalachian region, he has been the gold standard for over 30 years. I met with him in early 2001, in search of a confirmation or second opinion of my MS diagnosis. The US Army and the VA Healthcare System were my only points of reference. Expressing satisfaction with my diagnosis and treatment, he confirmed everything in my record from the prior 18 months. I left his office with one word of wisdom. He cautioned me to stay with the VA, as its continuity of care and tracking of my progression will be valuable when my MS gets worse. Without giving it much thought, except to “stay put,” I took his advice, enjoying the continuity of healthcare across four states.

Then my MS got worse… The full scope of Dr. Heyman’s consult struck me a few days ago.

Compared to last year, my symptoms have progressed, much as they have if I look back 2/5/10 years. The primary issues are weakness and debilitation throughout my left side. I fight its progression with medication, rehabilitation, diet, and exercise, having documented significant improvements in some areas. But, multiple sclerosis is an incessant ice pick. It will never stop. It will never quit. Two or three setbacks stack up against every improvement.

My dedication to fighting against the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis only strengthens every time my body weakens. For them is my focus, even if that mission is circular.

This realization does not change my plan; it only strengthens my resolve. My September 15 report, The Aftermath of Bike MS, detailed why I overdo it:

“The longer answer is because it’s one of the things I can still do. I can’t run. I can’t jump. I can’t ride a bicycle. I can’t even ride my recumbent trike out on the street. I used to be left-handed, but it really doesn’t work anymore. I can’t snap my fingers. I can clap. I can’t lift my arm over my head. I can’t button my shirt. I can’t hold a piece of food and cut it with a knife. I can’t lift a glass of water to my lips. I don’t have enough control and coordination to consider myself right-handed, but I switched a handful of those skills to the other side. If it requires two hands, I probably can’t do it. What I can do, I embrace with as much grit as possible. I plop my body down in the safety of my garage and pedal at a hard, constant pace until the measuring stick says I can stop. I sit at my computer and share my story into a microphone that transcribes the words for me. The next infection I battle could make everything worse. The next fall, accident, or other injury might raise my debilitation to a whole new level. If I don’t face that challenge, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis will continue to chip away at my form and function. When I can no longer do those things, I will figure out another way to do those things. That’s the first reason I ride. For me.”

Like I said, for them is my focus, even though the mission is circular. I’m them.

My body is beat up and will worsen. I’m okay with that since it turned me into a damn walking (for the moment), talking, writing, riding billboard who can highlight the need for us to find ways to defeat MS before more of them suffer. Instead of asking for donations to support our cause, I’m going to ask for your donations while giving people a reason to say, “Look at what this guy is doing before he can do it anymore.”

My next Bike MS 100-mile Garage Dayz ride will be Tuesday, February 17. I’m already planning the date and logo for March. I’m going to do too much again for three reasons. First, there’s a good chance I won’t be able to do that same “too much” next year. The second reason is for all my friends who have already reached the point where they can’t ride. Finally, I’m going to take every opportunity I can to put my misshapen, disabled form out there with the message “Please donate to my fundraising before another generation is forced to make our fight their fight!”

This is why I ride.

Thank you for the motivation and support.

With love,

Kevin

This will make a nice tapestry when complete!

Because it is a fight.

The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.

It will never stop…nor will we

It will never quit…nor will we

This is why we fight for them!

 

Never Stop… Never Quit…^®

Follow, Shop, or Donate Today: https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com

Perfection

On January 9, 2026, I became the echo of stories shared by warriors past. Using words given to me to describe undaunting determination in the face of unrelenting oppression, I challenged the West Point Class of 2027 to Never Stop… Never Quit….

Tradition.

The word is often associated with habits or rituals we accept for no other reason than “That’s the way it was done in the past. It’s tradition.” At West Point, the mind-boggling myriads of traditions we embrace are steeped in legend of past glories, lore of treasured rituals admired as part of our lineage, or newly discovered ways to strengthen our connection with graduates from past, present, and in the future (traditionally referred to as The Corps, and The Corps, and The Corps). This article could explore countless academic, military, and athletic traditions unique to or originated at the United States Military Academy. Stories of the march back, pinging along the inside wall, or spirit missions during my plebe year resonate with every Old Grad. Tales of spinning Sedgwick’s Spurs and Sosh Runs are academic milestones. Every tradition builds up to the final day, and that opportunity to throw your hat in the air when we hear, “Class Dismissed!” I could go on, but I would rather narrow my conversation.

In 1835, West Point began a storied tradition. 56 graduates marked their time at the Academy with a ring. Today, class rings are recognized across institutions and universities everywhere. They symbolize the connection between an individual and their alma mater while serving as a unique identifier for their graduating class. I still have my high school ring. In August 1992, I received my West Point ring: 14 karat gold with a diamond solitaire set in a black onyx. On one side, the West Point crest. On the other, my class crest. As the tradition goes, you wear your class closest to your heart (the inside side of your finger). When you graduate, you turn the Academy inward. I treasured my ring and the history it held.

On January 9, I bade farewell to my ring and tossed it into a stone cauldron, where it melted and mixed with 26 other rings into a solid gold bar.

Jamie and I flew from Portland to West Point to take part in the Class of 2027 Ring Melt Ceremony. It took three days to write this report, chasing words while trying to find the best way to describe the weekend at West Point. Over my 37-year connection, I have witnessed thousands of fantastic events; hundreds of storied occasions; a handful of memorable moments; and three perfect experiences.

Graduation stands atop that list. I’ve described my struggle with broken memories, but I have picture proof of smiles. The single instance I do hold is the weight of four years peeling away as I sat in the passenger seat while Vinny drove through Thayer Gate. According to the official register, I became graduate number 49,966.

Second, that Saturday afternoon in May 1993. The moment is etched in my mind, how I watched Brigadier General Robert Foley speak to a group of tourists. I shared this story in 2014: “Prologue.”

“They would never stop. They would never quit.” 

He repeated the phrase over and over as he shared examples of tactical, mental, and physical challenges many young graduates faced while leading soldiers in combat.

Needless to say, it was quite stirring.

General Foley gave me permission to tell that story. His words became my calling, then my mantra, Never Stop… Never Quit…. Those words became my mission, and now my nonprofit organization NEVER STOP NEVER QUIT. The idea started under the heat of military conflict before being forever tied to my battle against the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.

The third perfect experience was this past weekend. Every step of our mad dash, from our Thursday night redeye flight out of Portland, Oregon, through the 12:30 PM ceremony start, moved with tailwinds of fortune and favor. United Airlines Flight 1802 (the year West Point was founded) arrived at Newark Airport 30 minutes early. Airplane door to rental car was under 40 minutes. Traffic seemed to part every time we approached anything that could slow our pace. We were checked into the Thayer Hotel even before arrival, giving us a full hour to change and prep before the shuttle drove us to the ceremony doorstep. My escort for the event was a family friend from out here in Portland. Second Class Cadet Ryan Anthony had everything prepared well before we arrived. He guided me to where I should sit, reviewed when we would get up and go on stage, and explained what to do when I was there. All I needed to do was enjoy the experience.

The tradition of West Point’s Ring Melt Ceremony is not from a bygone era; it dates to 2000. The concept is beautifully simple. Graduate rings are donated, sometimes by the individual but most often by family members or other significant connections. Most donations are from deceased graduates. The rings, stripped of any stones or ornamentation, are collected in a stone cauldron. They are melted and poured to form a gold bar. Polished and presented to a class, the bar blends with the gold used to make their rings. Every cadet in the Class of 2027 will have a ring made from gold that includes mine and the 26 other rings donated. In addition to those rings, the gold bar includes flakes scraped from the previous Ring Melt Ceremony. In total, elements of 1,035 West Point class rings, dating back to 1896, are part of the Legacy Gold now included in the bar formed on Friday afternoon. I am forever graduate number 1,033 in that creation. Read more about the ceremony and the ring donors here.

Ryan gave me a subtle nudge when it was time for me to present my ring. He guided me toward the right side of the stage and held my arm as I struggled to climb six stairs. When the cadet speaker called my name, I moved to the center of the stage. Our rings were laid out on a table. Ryan prepared me for where my placard would be. I grabbed the stripped-down ring and placed it in the small stone cauldron as Ryan stood behind and presented a sharp salute. I lumbered to the podium and spoke.

“When I was a firstie, Brigadier General Robert Foley, Class of 63, shared words of inspiration and perseverance endured by thousands of West Point graduates before him. Those words became my mantra and became my mission. Now, today, I’m glad to send those words back to the Class of 2027: Never Stop… Never Quit…!”

Watch the video here.

As Ryan and another person helped me down the steps on the opposite side of the stage, I knew I was living my third perfect West Point experience. Applause and adulation, a few handshakes, then a kiss from Jamie planted that moment in my heart. Dinner with three of my classmates and our loved ones continued the day’s ecstasy. Other stuff happened—I think I had a cupcake at the event—but those parts are already fading.

Even if my damaged brain forgets the details, even when my specific recollection boils down to the video my dear friend captured, one word will always stand true.

Perfect.

Because it is a fight.

The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.

It will never stop…nor will we

It will never quit…nor will we

This is why we fight for them!

 

Never Stop… Never Quit…®

Follow, Shop, or Donate Today: https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com

Figure 1: WPAOG. “West Point Class of 2027 Class Ring Memorial Program.” YouTube video, 1:33:29. Published January 12, 2026. www.youtube.com/live/d_CXgMu8j3k.

Figure 2: Conti, Justin. “2026 Ring Melt - Justin Conti-69.” Flickr. Published January 12, 2026. www.flickr.com/photos/wpaog/55031593662/in/album-72177720331352095.

Figure 3: Norton, Erica. “2026 Ring Melt-126.” Flickr. Published January 12, 2026. www.flickr.com/photos/wpaog/55032536301/in/album-72177720331352095/.

Figure 4: Personal Image. My ring.

Figure 5: Personal Image. West Point Ring Weekend with my mom, August 29, 1992.

Figure 6: Personal Image. West Point Ring Melt Weekend with Jamie, January 9, 2026.

 

NEVER STOP NEVER QUIT Fact Sheet (PDF format)

 

Do you want to know more about our fight against the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis? Here’s the sheet I share with sponsors and partner organizations.

As we approach the end of the year, if you know of individuals or companies interested in making charitable contributions, please share our message. We can’t do this without your help in this fight.

Because it is a fight. The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.

It will never stop, nor will we.

It will never quit, nor will we.

This is why we fight for them!

Never Stop… Never Quit…®

https://neverstopneverquit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NEVER-STOP-NEVER-QUIT-Fact-Sheet.pdf

 

Because It Will Never Stop…

 

Multiple emails showed up in my inbox this morning, reminding me that 2025 Bike MS is coming to a close. Every ache, pain, symptom, and side effect reminds me that Yogi Berra was correct.

It ain’t over till it’s over.

Guess what? It will never be over for me.

But when does the “2025 Bike MS season” officially end? I read somewhere the final date is this Monday, the 20th. The truth is, I don’t know and I don’t care because I will continue to push for as long as my body will let me. November 1 will be my third Garage Dayz century ride for 2025. I will continue to scream about the horrors of multiple sclerosis in an attempt to raise awareness of its onslaught and devastating effects for as long as my lungs can fill with air. Until that very last breath, I will beg and plead for your support in this fight. Generous donations in the past have led to over $878,000 under the banner of NEVER STOP NEVER QUIT. We have already posted over $25,000 to the 2025 campaign. Before Monday, I’m hoping to add another $15,000 from donations and what we’ve already raised through our charity.

Please donate to support our fight.

Direct to our Bike MS campaign: https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/Rogue

Other ways to donate (100% of the money goes to our Bike MS campaign. I pay all administrative costs): https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com/Donate

$40,000 was the goal set early this year. Can you help me reach that target? It will be a great day for celebrations, maybe even a moment to stop and smile before I push my body toward the next milestone.

My goal has been to flood social media with antics. If you get bored, you can catch them across a range of sites:

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/KevJByrne

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/KevJByrne

Twitter: https://www.X.com/KevJByrne

Bluesky, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok—you get the idea. They’re all KevJByrne.

Previously unimaginable support and motivation have helped convince me to fight for over 26 years. Thank you. I promise that I will continue striving to earn your support.

Never Stop… Never Quit… for them

With love,

Kevin

Because it is a fight.

The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.

It will never stop…nor will we

It will never quit…nor will we

This is why we fight for them!

 

Never Stop… Never Quit…^®

Follow, Shop, or Donate Today: https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com

I Woke Up This Morning...

Please donate to support our fight. 

Direct to our Bike MS campaign: https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/Rogue

Other ways to donate (100% of the money goes to our Bike MS campaign. I pay all administrative costs): https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com/Donate

Slight cramping in my legs pulled me from a deep sleep at about 11:30 last night. I’m used to that sensation, so I ignored the nuisance, rolled over, and went back to sleep. Something similar (another cramp or sharp pain in my body) woke me up at 1:15, 2:50, 3:40, and 4:10. Each time, I shrugged it off and resumed my snoozing. The last one rustled me out of bed a few minutes after 5. Before I had a chance to evaluate my recovery from yesterday’s 2025 Bike MS Garage Dayz #2, one thought flooded my mind:

“Wow! I slept great last night.”

It will never stop is more than a catchphrase. The reality of my multiple sclerosis is that constant pain, cramping, and general discomfort are the baseline of my life. On a good day, they are still pounding away. Pain is relative is a concept I have talked about quite a bit; it’s something I’m quite comfortable with in my life. On a bad day, my anxiety doesn’t focus on the current pain. “What of this new pain becomes the new normal?”

…nor will we is more than an auto-response. Fighting a battle just to step back after gives your adversaries time to press their relentless attack and shred any gains or momentum you may have earned.

Substitute the phrase “…nor will we” with the term “…I can’t” or “…I won’t.”

When I finally got out of bed, I realized my body felt strong. My legs are a bit sore, but nothing that won’t go away in a day or two. Any pain I felt was just normal shit. My body was sore yesterday because of what I was doing to it. Today, I hurt because of what MS has already done.

The pain, loss, and suffering caused by multiple sclerosis will not stop. For that reason, the pain, stress, intensity, monotony, energy, motivation, and general visibility into the persistent nature of our fight can’t/won’t.

My next Bike MS 100-mile Garage Dayz ride will be Saturday, November 1. I’m going to do too much again for the same three reasons as before. First, there’s a good chance I won’t be able to do that “too much” next year. I was stronger when in the same conditions as last month, so I want to build on that momentum and strengthen my body. The second reason is for all my friends who have already reached the point where they can’t ride. In the past week, I met another once-strong person who has lost that ability. This will be for you, Jennifer. Finally, I’m going to take every opportunity I can to put my misshapen, disabled form out there with the message “Please donate to my fundraising before another generation is forced to make our fight their fight!” The 2025 fundraising season for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society goes until November 20 this year.

I am honored by the overwhelming support, motivational messages, and donations. Every mile I ride, every social media post I share, carries a thankful declaration that you are making this possible. Look at what I can do! Thank you.

Now, it is time for me to get to the gym and take care of my body and weary legs. I have so much living to do, and only 24 days until my next century ride!

Never Stop… Never Quit… for them

With love,

Kevin

Because it is a fight.

The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.

It will never stop…nor will we

It will never quit…nor will we

This is why we fight for them!

 

Never Stop… Never Quit…^®

Follow, Shop, or Donate Today: https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com

Make It Hurt Now While I Still Have a Chance

Please donate to support our fight.

Direct to our Bike MS campaign: https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/Rogue

Other ways to donate (100% of the money goes to our Bike MS campaign. I pay all administrative costs): https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com/Donate

Renowned neurologist Rock Heyman practices out of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Multiple Sclerosis Care Center. In the Appalachian region, he has been the gold standard for over 30 years. I met with him in early 2001, in search of a confirmation or second opinion of my MS diagnosis. The US Army and the VA Healthcare System were my only points of reference. Expressing satisfaction with my diagnosis and treatment, he confirmed everything in my record from the prior 18 months. I left his office with one word of wisdom. He cautioned me to stay with the VA, as its continuity of care and tracking of my progression will be valuable when my MS gets worse. Without giving it much thought, except to “stay put,” I took his advice, enjoying the continuity of healthcare across four states.

Then my MS got worse… The full scope of Dr. Heyman’s consult struck me a few days ago.

Compared to last year, my symptoms have progressed, much as they have if I look back 2/5/10 years. The primary issues are weakness and debilitation throughout my left side. I fight its progression with medication, rehabilitation, diet, and exercise, having documented significant improvements in some areas. But, multiple sclerosis is an incessant ice pick. It will never stop. It will never quit. Two or three setbacks stack up against every improvement.

My dedication to fighting against the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis only strengthens every time my body weakens. For them is my focus, even if that mission is circular.

This realization does not change my plan; it only strengthens my resolve. My September 15 report, The Aftermath of Bike MS, detailed why I overdo it:

“The longer answer is because it’s one of the things I can still do. I can’t run. I can’t jump. I can’t ride a bicycle. I can’t even ride my recumbent trike out on the street. I used to be left-handed, but it really doesn’t work anymore. I can’t snap my fingers. I can clap. I can’t lift my arm over my head. I can’t button my shirt. I can’t hold a piece of food and cut it with a knife. I can’t lift a glass of water to my lips. I don’t have enough control and coordination to consider myself right-handed, but I switched a handful of those skills to the other side. If it requires two hands, I probably can’t do it. What I can do, I embrace with as much grit as possible. I plop my body down in the safety of my garage and pedal at a hard, constant pace until the measuring stick says I can stop. I sit at my computer and share my story into a microphone that transcribes the words for me. The next infection I battle could make everything worse. The next fall, accident, or other injury might raise my debilitation to a whole new level. If I don’t face that challenge, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis will continue to chip away at my form and function. When I can no longer do those things, I will figure out another way to do those things. That’s the first reason I ride. For me.”

Like I said, for them is my focus, even though the mission is circular. I’m them.

My body is beat up and will worsen. I’m okay with that since it turned me into a damn walking (for the moment), talking, writing, riding billboard who can highlight the need for us to find ways to defeat MS before more of them suffer. Instead of asking for donations to support our cause, I’m going to ask for your donations while giving people a reason to say, “Look at what this guy is doing before he can do it anymore.”

My next Bike MS 100-mile Garage Dayz ride will be Tuesday, October 7. I’m going to do too much again for three reasons. First, there’s a good chance I won’t be able to do that same “too much” next year. The second reason is for all my friends who have already reached the point where they can’t ride. Finally, I’m going to take every opportunity I can to put my misshapen, disabled form out there with the message “Please donate to my fundraising before another generation is forced to make our fight their fight!”

This is why I ride.

Thank you for the motivation and support.

With love,

Kevin

Because it is a fight.

The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.

It will never stop…nor will we

It will never quit…nor will we

This is why we fight for them!

 

Never Stop… Never Quit…^®

Follow, Shop, or Donate Today: https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com