Bicycle ride will raise funds, awareness for MS

Monday, December 1, 2008

Kim Shaw with Clay Walker.
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A north central Nebraska woman's brother will be among more than 13,000 bicycle riders who will participate in the BP MS 150, a 180-mile, two-day bike event to raise funds for research and other efforts for people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

'I have multiple sclerosis," said Kim (Grosshans) Shaw, "MS does NOT have me." Shaw will cheer on her brother Gregg Grosshans of Norman, Okla., who will ride for her because she cannot.

Shaw, a former four-sport athlete at Lincoln Northeast High School, went on to graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a bachelor's degree, while earning three All-American awards as a member of the women's track and field team. She still holds the Nebraska record in the girls discus, set 20 years ago during her senior year.

Gregg Grosshans will ride in an 180-mile bike event in honor of his siste and others suffering from multiple sclerosis.
[Click to enlarge]
Shaw, who lives with her family in Bassett, was diagnoses with MS in 2001 at the age of 31. She has been asked to be a member of multi-platinum recording artist Clay Walker's bike team, Band Against MS (BAMS). Walker, who was diagnoses with MS in 1996, founded Band Against MS in 2003 to provide educational information for those living with MS and fund programs that may one day lead to a cure. To date, BAMS has raised more than a million dollars. More information is available at http://www.bandagainstms.org.

Kim and Gregg need to fundraise two minimums to participate in the ride, one donation for the National MS Society and another for Clay Walker's not-for-profit charity BAMS. "We are excited to be a part of the BAMS team and are honored to be a part of the group."

All donations of $20, $50 and $100 are appreciated. Businesses or individuals who donate $1,000-plus would be recognized as top sponsors and would get their names or logos embroidered on Kim and Gregg's travel shirts which will be worn for the entire trip, vinyl logo on travel vehicles and bikes, as well as a picture of the team.

Donations can be sent to Kim Shaw, P.O. Box 70, Bassett NE 68714 or to Commercial Bank, c/o Kim Shaw, P.O. Box 548 Bassett, NE 68714. Donations should be made payable to "Kim Shaw BP MS Ride." All donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact Kim Shaw at (402) 684-2552.

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I've known Kim for some time and I must say that she is a very loving person. MS is not an easy disease to endure, as she says...but she continually shows hope for what she has in life. This is a GREAT cause to donate to. If you do not know about MS, go to the National MS society or National MS Association site to see the info about the disease. There is no cure. The only way to get one is to show action. We as people must show compassion and try to help others in need. There are thousands of people like Kim and they all need a cure.

God Bless

-- Posted by sandhillsbum on Tue, Dec 2, 2008, at 9:53 PM

I am Kim's cousin, and I just want to comment on what a strong woman she is. As children, she was always very athletic (and I was not). She has handled this difficulty in her life with grace and strength. Her faith in God is what helps her to carry on no matter what obstacles she may be facing. I pray for a cure.

-- Posted by karenawelch on Mon, Dec 1, 2008, at 9:50 PM

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