Nothing Tastes as Good as Thin Feels

By Kirby Adams

Well, I was interested in helping the cause, but to be honest I had no idea that my aunt was the national president of the organization. I knew she was involved with the Colorado Chapter and went on numerous multiday, long-distance hikes to raise awareness and funds for research.

I did not however, have any idea the woman I spend all my summers with running around in northern Minnesota in our cut offs and flip flops was such a big deal. So of course , half embarrassed I said "yes". Whitney also mentioned that I would probably want to attend a reception for my aunt, when she visited Louisville a few weeks later. Not wanting to let on that I was completely out of this loop, I said "sure", as if it had been penciled in my date book for months. The reception was quite nice and I met many wonderful people, among them Bill and Lee Ann Turner.

It's Bill and Lee Ann who this article is REALLY about, [not me and my aunt or the MS Bike the Bluegrass]. Bill is riding his bicycle from Mexico to Louisville to raise awareness and funds to help research a cure for the disease that Lee Ann battles each day. To get to know them a little better here is what Bill writes about his wife on their Web site www.whyiride.com.

"Lee Anne is much more than just someone with Multiple Sclerosis. She is a gifted musician, artist, and teacher. She is my best friend and lifelong companion. Lee Anne is the director of worship at our church, and invests much or her time and energy mentoring young musicians each week. Over the years, she has equipped many to be worship leaders in churches. Lee Anne also writes and records her own original music. Much of this music has to do with our Christian faith journey, and her perseverance in spite of the challenges she is faced with daily. When Lee Anne was diagnosed with MS, she made a choice to not live in fear of the disease, but rather, to live life to the fullest. Lee Anne bravely faces the challenges of MS as they arise, and is caring and kind to everyone. I am proud to know her, and lucky to be her husband."

Bill has his own amazing story to tell. He says that for 25 years, his life included no regular exercise, he pretty much ate whatever he could get his hands on and his mouth around, and he had little to no regard for this health or well being.

In 2003, I was 47 years old and 60 pounds overweight. My cholesterol was high, my triglycerides were sky high, and my glucose tolerance test suggested I was on my way to adult onset diabetes. My doctor was concerned that I was on a path that would lead to heart disease and possibly a heart attack. A few weeks after hearing my doctor's concerns, Cheryl Bryant, a co-worker and good friend, announced that she was joining the Weight Watcher's Group that met weekly in the UPS Air Group Building where we work. Cheryl did not need to lose weight nearly as much as I did. So one Monday morning, I followed Cheryl downstairs to the meeting and joined Weight Watcher's".

That Weight Watchers group which included 22 ladies and Bill gave him the support and knowledge he needed to being losing weight. However early into the program he learned it wasn't just about what he ate, successful weight loss is also about how you live. In order to loose Bill needed to start moving. Bill bought a bicycle and that is pretty much where Bill's amazing journey begins.

"I went out and bought a bicycle, and have been peddling ever since! Today, I feel great and am in excellent health. My doctor was amazed!"

ven more astonishing is that this same once overweight, inactive human being is now riding his bicycle from Reynosa, Mexico to Louisville. Not dreaming about this 1,500 mile bicycle journey actually peddling as you read this if you are reading it during the month of May.

You can track Bill's progress, help sponsor the ride, donate to the MS society and lend encouragement by going to www.whyiride.com.

"Multiple Sclerosis is a devastating disease" writes Bill and "If we unite to fight MS, we can be equally devastating! Join me. Become part of a legacy. If enough of us join the fight, we will see the cure for Multiple Sclerosis in our lifetime, and will enjoy knowing that we made a profound difference in the lives of millions for all generations to come!"

• I ride to see a cure for Multiple Sclerosis in my lifetime.
• I ride because many with MS can not ride.
• I ride because I love Lee Anne.
• Ride with me: f not on a bike, ride with me in spirit via this Web site!"

General Tour Information on Bike the Bluegrass

The 2006 Toyota MS 150 bike the bluegrass route will open at 8:30 a.m. on Sat., June 3, at the VisitorÕs Center at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, Kentucky. Rider check in begins at 7 a.m.

he route closes on Saturday at 5 p.m. for an overnight stop in Danville.

Day Two begins at 7:30 a.m. from Pioneer Playhouse in Danville. The route ends back at the Toyota Plant where riders can enjoy a delicious finish line picnic. The route will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For those not in 150 mile shape, the new 25-mile Sunday route starts at 10 a.m. from Toyota Visitor's Center. Check in for this option begins at 9 a.m.

www.nationalmssociety.org/KYW/home/

and www.whyiride.com

Kirby Adams is the consumer reporter for Kentuckiana's News Channel WHAS-11, Team Captain for Team Crusade and a sports and fitness buff. You can e-mail Kirby at kirby.adams@whas11.com. Kirby is also a member of Kentuckiana HealthFitness Editorial Advisory Board.

If you know of a little GEM of a story, you would like to share it with our readers, drop me a note about it to:

Kirby Adams
WHAS-TV
520 West Chestnut Street
Louisville, KY. 40202