Community Corner

Ramsey Native Will Ride 255 Miles For MS, Stem Cell Research

Rich Rundle's brother was diagnosed with MS three years ago and has since made a dramatic improvement after Rundle joined the New York Stem Cell Foundation and shared his knowledge with his brother.

Three years ago, Rich Rundle's, a native of Ramsey, brother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the person's nervous system.

As time went on, Rundle watched as his brother, a teacher and music minister who is a father of two, deteriorated and continued to lose hope. In an effort to understand his plight and provide support and motivation, Rundle joined research groups dedicated to treating MS.

He eventually joined the New York Stem Cell Foundation's Junior Leadership Council, and began sharing his newfound knowledge with his brother. Suddenly, something changed.

Rundle's brother began getting out of his wheelchair, became able to move with a can and is now able to walk again.

“He is out of a wheelchair and no longer needs assistance to walk. Everyday he wakes up and takes a step; he is fighting back and there are so many of us taking this journey with him inspiring him to keep fighting," Rundle said.

To spread this message of hope and benefit the NYSCF, Rundle is biking 255 miles from New York City to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. July 29 and 30.

Rundle hopes to reach a goal of $10,000, which the public can help fund by visiting the cause's Crowd Rise page. He's raised more than $3,500 so far.

The NYSCF, founded in 2005 by Susan Solomon, is an independent lab dedicated to stem cell research and developing advanced treatments for a large scope of diseases.


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