MS 150 Bike Race
I wanted to share a great story with you that happened a few weeks ago when I first went public with my MS. I received so many amazing letters, comments, emails from so many people who gave me such overwhelming support and good wishes. I never imagined the outpouring of support that I still receive on a daily basis.
One of the emails I received was from Scott Saldinger who works at one of our Fox O & O stations in Dallas. He has been riding in the MS 150 bike race for 7 years, and is training to complete the race again in May. Here’s part what he wrote:
Dear Janice,
You don’t know me but I work here in Dallas at our O&O station. I wanted to reach out and tell you how courageous you are for sharing with everyone. I have been riding MS150’s for 7 tours now and have a goal of completing enough to reach the distance from coast to coast. When I began I had never known anyone with MS, but since then I have become an advocate for the MS Society and the work they do. I will be riding in the upcoming MS150 Frisco to Ft. Worth ride in May, and then again in October from San Antonio to Corpus. It would be an honor to ride for you if you would like. I could send you a Pedal Partner Bandanna to sign. I will ride with it and then send it back to you. I have had the opportunity to ride for a fair number of people who now live with MS every day. Some who have responded well and live almost perfectly normal lives, and others whose lives have been changed dramatically by MS. It is my hope that we can find the answer to this puzzle sooner than later for this complex disease. Take pride and do what you can with the power of your voice to help people understand MS and to support the fight for research and development. The louder we shout, the more who will listen.
Scott
You can just imagine how flattered I was to read this, and I am honored that Scott will be riding on behalf of myself and the hundreds of thousands of others who share this crazy, unpredictable illness. I’ve told Scott to send us pictures and keep us up to date on his training. He also included a few pictures of last year’s race for you to see. And, here’s the link to the race:
http://dallas.ms150.org/dallas/
Go Scott!
Scott, you’re a sweetheart!! What a wonderful, touching letter and offer.
Also, this weekend I saw the interview with Clay Walker that Greg Kelly did. He is so talented! I didn’t even know Clay had MS until I read it on your blog a couple weeks ago. He was so positive about his recent marriage and the news that he and his wife are expecting. My best goes out to them also!
Gwen Walton
Collinsville, MS
Hey Gwen! Yes, I knew Clay Walker had MS too…he’s doing wonderful! So nice to see people do well. I didn’t know he and his wife were expected. I’m so happy for them.
What a very thoughtful and kind thing for him to do for you :D…
I agree Dawn! It’s touching.
Hi, Janice,
I am very, very sorry to learn you have MS. I know you are a strong woman, Janice, and you will fight it as best you can.
You always make me smile when I see you report the weather on Fox News. You have a great sense of humor, and you are stunningly beautiful. You remind me of a classmate of mine at Northwestern in the early 1960s. She was from New Hampshire. Her facial features were similar to yours.
One thing I would suggest is that you join an M.S. support group. They can help you in many ways.
I know your husband will be tremendous, giving you all of the love and attention you need.
I’ll remember you in my prayers, Janice.
Your L.A. buddy,
George Spink
Thank you George. I do have an amazing support system! Your words are always comforting as well.
Hope you are doing ok Janice…You seem kinda quiet…Maybe just busy??
In any case sending warm and peaceful thoughts out to everyone…
Hey Dawn…yes, it’s been a little crazy lately…meetings about meetings…all good! Thanks for checking in tho!
Scott,
Since I’ve known you, you’ve always been a hard worker with inspirational words to share. Thanks for what you give back.
Melissa
Cincinnati, OH
JANICE!!
I Just read about you having MS. I too have MS,but mine knocked me rite on my butt.I now am pretty much house bound,but life goes on. It makes me feel good to see people like you out there telling people about this illness.Plus it’s great to see you have such a great outlook and you have such a GREAT SMILE and energy when your on!!! I’m glad to see you have such energy,your like that energizer bunny,and that’s great .Too maney people find out they have this illness and give up.Maybe they’ll see you and see life still goes on,Hell, I finally got a dog I always wanted,she keeps me going and so does someone like you. Your husbands a very lucky man.
GOD BLESS YOU,
KEEP THAT SMILE ON,
Dennis O’C.