Richardson resident Rodney Brown was diagnosed with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1994 and considers himself to be healthy and athletic. He plans to put himself to the test this May in the two-day, 150-mile SAM’S CLUB MS 150 Bike Tour, which he’ll undertake for those MS patients who are not able to ride.

After waking up disoriented and dizzy one morning in 1994, he visited several doctors and subsequently was diagnosed with MS. At the time of his diagnosis, Brown knew nothing about the disease and confused it with muscular dystrophy. He was in complete denial that he had MS, even though the doctors showed him solid evidence proving otherwise.

A natural athlete, Brown had participated in numerous intramural sports, including track and field, diving and football, and as an adult he was still active in cycling and golfing.

Brown is among a small minority of MS patients who are able to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

“MS has given me the perspective of being grateful for my health,” Brown says.

This year, Brown’s MS doctor, Elliot Frohman, M.D., director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, asked Brown to ride with him in the SAM’S CLUB MS 150 charity bike ride.

Brown has been training every night for the bike tour on May 3 – 4 and feels ready for the challenge. However, like all MS patients, he has to worry about overheating while exercising and knows to be cautious about overexerting himself.

“I am aware of the disease and take precautions, but I’m not going to let it stop me from living,” says Brown.

The ride from Frisco to Fort Worth will raise an estimated $2.4 million to support research to end MS and fund programs through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lone State Chapter.

In his first year of fundraising for the ride, Brown says he is overwhelmed by the generosity and support of his friends and family members.

Brown will join Dr. Frohman’s team, The Chain Gang, which consists of more than 80 friends, patients and co-workers of Dr. Frohman. The team raised $75,000 and was one of the top fundraising teams in 2007. They aim to raise more than $100,000 this year.

“If I’m able to endure the training and deal with this disease through my family’s support, friends and faith, then I’ll be able to complete this year’s ride.”