Watch CBS News

Denver Nurse's Family Has Fought MS Time And Time Again

DENVER (CBS4) - A Denver nurse whose family has fought multiple sclerosis time and time again hopes Coloradans will participate in this year's "Bike MS."

At the Denver School of Nursing, Barb Doro teaches her students how to care for patients. From monitoring vital signs to running IVs, Doro's students are taught the technical tricks of the trade. But they also get a deeper lesson from Doro's personal experience.

Barb Doro
Barb Doro (credit: CBS)

"What does a patient go through? How do they feel? I understand," Doro said.

Every year, Doro takes part in Bike MS. She first rode in the 1980s when a cousin was diagnosed. Later she rode in the 1990s for her brother, Rick.

"He's definitely my hero … he fought like crazy," she said.

Rick eventually became a quadriplegic and passed away. While he was sick, Doro got the news.

"I was officially diagnosed in 2003 … I have seen how bad MS can be … I'm not the worst case scenario that my brother is."

In Doro's family alone four people have been diagnosed with MS. Carrie Nolan with the National MS Society says the disease is more common in families.

"Genetics loads the gun, but something in the environment is pulling the trigger," Nolan said.

After her diagnosis, Doro decided to keep riding.

"I'm just going to ride it until I can't anymore," she said.

But a friend helped her change her mind.

"You have to say you are going to ride it until you don't 'have to' anymore," Doro said. "It is very emotional to me because I can do it."

CBS4 is a proud sponsor of Bike MS which is this weekend, June 28-29. Sign up to ride or be a volunteer.

Bike MS
(credit: CBS)

LINK: National MS Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.