KerfootLab at the Grand Bend to London 25th Anniversary MS Bike Ride

Originally posted 2015/07/29

Last weekend (July 25-26), members of the KerfootLab and others from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology took part in the local MS Bike Ride to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The MSSOC funds services for people living with MS and is also an important funding agency for research into the causes and treatment of MS and related diseases such as Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)). Our own research has been supported by the MSSOC and Rajiv is currently a recipient of an MSSOC Studentship.

The Riders: Steve Kerfoot (3rd from the left), M&I Grad Students Brennan Dirk (2nd from left), Aaron Johnson (middle), Mark Trinder, and Joe Zeppa (right), and friends of the department Andrew Hayward (left) and Eric Williams (3rd from right).

On Saturday, seven intrepid cyclists set out with  from Grand Bend and rode the 85km to London. Along the way we stopped in to see our colleagues volunteering and working hard at the lunch station. 
 

Volunteers in the white shirts: KerfootLab members (Top, left to right) Kathleen, Amy, Yodit, Heather, and Rajiv. Kim Arts from the department office in the bottom, centre

That evening, a a fancy video celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Grand Bend/London ride was shown. We were proud to be featured as representative MS researchers supported by the amazing fund raising efforts of the MS Bike Ride. Over $1.2 million was raised this year alone.

Steve talks science - click picture for video

On Sunday the riders left early on a foggy morning to ride back to Grand Bend.

Thanks to all the riders and volunteers that helped us represent Western U, Schulich Med, and the Department! It was a great ride and we hope to be back with an even larger team (and cool team jerseys) next year!