Bike MS Has A Personal Connection For CBS4 Anchor Karen Leigh
DENVER (CBS4)- Bike MS is June 25-26 in Colorado. The event that raises awareness and money for Multiple Sclerosis research and treatment has a special meaning for CBS4 anchor Karen Leigh.
A dear friend of hers, Andrea Lindsley, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 24. She inspired Karen to help.
"I was terrified. I didn't know what it was," said Lindsley. "I remember thinking all my dreams were gone. I'm not going to have a career in TV news. I'm not going to do ordinary things like get married or have babies. I was blind, I couldn't drive and had trouble walking."
Numbness throughout her entire right side sent her to the doctor and into a world of MS. It was a new beginning full of life-changing challenges.
"I immediately said, 'What do we do to fix this?' And the worst part of all he said, 'I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do for you'," said Lindsley.
But that was 17 years ago. Today, Andrea said six drugs are used in treating MS. She takes Copaxone, which she injects daily to keep the disease and its symptoms under control.
"It used to scare me. I used to wake up every morning and think, 'Oh goodness. Will I be able to walk today?'," said Lindsley.
Now, she says her outlook has changed and she's not living in fear anymore.
"I work. I am a wife. I am a mom. I do ordinary things I took for granted and live with an appreciation of every day that I ma so grateful to be ordinary, to do the things that everyone else gets to do," said Lindsley.
Lindsley and Karen have been friends for ten years. Karen said it's because of her strength of spirit and passion for life that has inspired her to get involved with Bike MS and the MS Society.
"It's because of events like this, every dollar raised really makes a difference. One step closer to a cure with every dollar," said Lindsley.
Bike MS is June 25-26 in Colorado. The ride kicks off at Front Range Community College in Broomfield with cyclists pedaling to Fort Collins.
