Mayor rides with UNTHSC team to fight MS

May 4, 2015

The UNTHSC Health’s Angels bicycle team hits the road this weekend in an annual rally to fight multiple sclerosis with Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price setting the pace.

An avid cyclist, Price will wear the Health’s Angels jersey and pedal with the team on the annual BIKE MS: Round-up Ride. The 150-mile Saturday-Sunday ride is the local component of an event sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to fund research and help MS patients and their families.

The team includes providers from Cook Children’s Medical Center, the John Peter Smith Health Network, University of North Texas and Radiology Associates.

“Health care providers play a vital role in encouraging healthy lifestyles among their patients and in serving as a model to employees,” Price said, and bicycling is one way to do it.

One of the Health’s Angels team captains is David Baker, UNTHSC Business Systems Analysis Manager. He also started the May Street Rollers to encourage cycling among the staff at UNTHSC’s May Street office where he is headquartered. Health’s Angels co-captain is Darrin D’Agostino, DO, MPH, Internal Medicine Clinical Chair. The Health Science Center’s team tent will offer physical therapy and osteopathic manipulation to all riders.

Price praised cycling’s myriad benefits. “It not only keeps me healthy and my mind sharp, but also it keeps me happy. I can’t wait to ride with UNTHSC team this year in the MS 150 in support of such a good cause.”

Health’s Angels raised $90,000 during the past three years’ rides. This year’s goal is $50,000; as of early this week $40,400 was pledged. Donations can be made on the Health’s Angels web page. More information is available at David.Baker@unthsc.edu or 817-547-9509.

What is multiple sclerosis? The immune system attacks the sheath covering the nerves. Communication between the brain and the rest of the body deteriorates. Eventually nerves may deteriorate in a currently irreversible process. Symptoms vary widely. Some patients lose the ability to walk independently or at all. Others have long periods of remission during which no new symptoms appear. Mayo Clinic