Ever wonder what your teachers do in their free time? Yeah, most of them probably just pay taxes, buy groceries, and do whatever else adults need to do. Well, Beaver Area’s very own Mr. Jason Hank, along with the necessities of adult life, bikes to make a difference through Bike MS.
So what exactly is Bike MS? Bike MS is a charity bike event with rides held nationwide that raises money for the National MS Society. The National MS Society uses this money for many different things. The two primary uses for this money are the MS Navigator Program which helps those diagnosed with MS navigate the healthcare system and get the treatment they need, and to fund scientific research that wouldn’t otherwise be funded by drug companies.
For those who are unfamiliar with MS, Multiple sclerosis (aka MS) is a disease that impacts the central nervous system (CNS). MS causes the immune system to attack the CNS, disrupting signals to and from the brain. Everyone’s experience with MS is different. There is currently no known cause of MS and no cure.
Bike MS began in 1980, and it has since raised over $1 billion. Each year, nearly 50,000 cyclists across the country participate in the rides. The Bike MS rides happen multiple times in many different places throughout the year. Each ride ranges from 100-150 miles providing options for riders based on their experience and ability.
Mr. Hank participated in his first Bike MS ride back in 2005. When he initially did the ride he didn’t know what MS was just that the ride was a charity ride and something fun to do as someone who likes cycling. Things changed for Mr. Hank, however, in 2013 when he was diagnosed with MS. Every year since then, Mr. Hank has participated in the rides.
Through Bike MS and biking in general, Mr. Hank has been able to form bonds and relationships that would not have happened otherwise.
He says, “I am not grateful for my diagnosis, but I am grateful for how it has impacted my life.”
Mr. Hank even bikes with other members of the BASD staff: Mrs. Kilpatrick, Mr. Shay, Mr. Harden, and Mr. Martincic.
Mr. Hank’s participation in Bike MS has lead to other crazy events that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. In one very interesting story, Mr. Hank had been trying to get the link to donate to his Bike MS team, team Hankster, to send to someone, and he stumbled upon Hankster’s Hot Rods, a company which sells restored hot rods, muscle cars, classic cars, and motorcycles. Long story short, Mr. Hank reached out to the owner of the company with the story of his team, and the owner donated $500.
In 2020, there obviously couldn’t be big rides due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Mr. Hank was still able to do the 150 mile ride. For two days he biked from his house—20 miles out and back—several times.
Mr. Hank’s wife made these rides extra special by contacting his friends so that each time he got back to the house, a new group of people was waiting to see him.
This year, Mr. Hank’s ride is normal. He will be riding in the “Escape to the Lake” ride from Portersville, PA to Lake Erie June 3-4.
Mr. Hank said, “[the ride] actually goes through my hometown of Linesville so my parents are always out there with signs.”
This ride’s fundraising goal is $600k.
This year’s ride is extra special for Mr. Hank because he will be participating alongside his son, Jack.
Mr. Hank received his MS diagnosis when his son was 2. and his son was waiting for him at the finish line at the end of the first ride after his diagnosis. The two have been biking together for years, but this year being their first year participating in such an important ride together is a very big deal.
Mr. Hank said, “In June, he’s not going to be at the finish line waiting for me. He’s going to be crossing it with me. That’s pretty special.”
Want to donate to a great cause? Make a donation for Jack Hank’s team with the link: bit.ly/bikemsJack23
