Two young men are taking on the highways of Canada this summer to support those afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS), their families, and to help find a cure.
Raymond Wong and Kevin Huong set out from Vancouver earlier this month with fellow rider Edward Yu. For the three, helping the MS Society of Canada is personal.
“I have quite a few friends with MS. One of my close friends was not walking for awhile and he has a son who’s five years old now. He’s gone in for a couple surgeries and he can now walk and play soccer with his son. I’m hoping his son will have a father for many years to come, others can live longer, or perhaps find a cure for MS,” said Wong.
MS is a degenerative neurlogical disease, which generally afflicts those aged 15 to 40. Over time, the disease causes the body’s own immune system to attack nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, leading to physical and cognitive disability. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
The riders are hoping through the MS Society and their ride, a cure will be found and those stricken will be helped.
“A lot of their funding goes towards helping patients and their families and for research,” said Huong. “I think it’s possible to find a cure for MS. If we can find a cure, we can help a lot of people.”
The three riders left left their families and jobs behind for the summer. Wong is an auto mechanic and is going into engineering. Huong is a neuroscience student at UBC and works as a lifeguard. The ride has been an eye opener for them.
“It’s life changing. You learn and see so much. You meet so many interesting and nice people,” said Wong.
“It’s exciting, but also scary at the same time. When you go, you have to leave everything behind, but it’s waiting for you when you come back,” said Huong.
They spent a couple days in Drumheller, which was their first time here. They visited some of the sites in town.
“The Royal Tyrrell Museum was amazing, it was the first time I’ve seen it. We saw the World’s Largest Dinosaur and biked around town,” said Huong.
To donate to the ride and help the MS Society of Canada, visit Threeguysoneride.wordpress.com.
“We want to raise awareness,” said Huong. “If we can connect everyone, there will be more support and a cure will be found faster.”
