Running for a Cure
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ray Sabbatini
c/o Running for a Cure
205 Juneau St.
Horicon, WI. 53032
Phone: 920-485-0354
"http://www.runningforacure.net"
"mailto:[email protected]"
Man with Multiple Sclerosis to Participate in “Running of the Bulls” to Raise MS Awareness
Horicon, WI. -- May 5, 2004 -- Ray Sabbatini, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, will be participating in the “Running of the Bulls” in Pamplona, Spain. Ray will be doing this event to raise MS Awareness and to help bring exposure to this devastating disease. Ray is trying to raise $100,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in helping find a cure.
Most people raise money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by collecting donations and participating in MS walks or MS runs. But Ray Sabbatini, of Horicon, Wisconsin, is not like most people. He was diagnosed with MS in January of 2003, but has decided not to let the disease hold him down. Being committed to helping find a cure for the disease, Ray wanted to do something to help. As a self-described thrill seeker, the typical walk or run didn’t suit him. But what could he do?
“I have always been a thrill seeker. I used to kickbox and have bungee jumped among other things”, said Ray. “One of my dreams has always been to travel to Spain to run with the bulls. I found a sponsor, GoldenPalace.com, and we put together a great fundraiser. In July, I will be heading to Spain to fulfill my dream and raise money for MS research in the process”
“I will not let this devastating disease control my life and, if I have anything to say about it, the lives of others diagnosed with MS”, said Ray. “I am committed to helping find a cure- through advocacy, events, education and research.”
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). The insulation surrounding the nerves, called myelin, is damaged or destroyed with MS. When this occurs, messages from the brain are lost or interrupted. This is what causes the various MS symptoms experienced by those suffering from the disease, such as vision loss, double/blurred vision, numbness, coordination problems, and balance problems.
Ray said that no one knows what causes MS nor is there a cure. However, there are treatments available which can help slow the symptoms while a person is learning to live with Multiple Sclerosis. He gives himself daily injections of Copaxone, one of several medications available today.
Ray’s trip to Spain to run with the bulls is all a part of finding that cure. The event will take place from July 6th-14th in Pamplona, Spain during the Feast of San Fermin, which is held every year to honor the patron saint of wine. “The most exciting part of the feast is the annual Running of the Bulls. Every morning, starting on July 7th, at 8 a.m., they release the bulls into the street to get them into the arena - the only way to get them there is to go through town”, said Ray. “This is where I come in. I will be joining about 2,000 runners to run in front of the bulls. Since there is absolutely no way to outrun the bulls, which weigh about 1,000 pounds and run like the devil himself, it will be every man for himself. The run is about a half a mile and is extremely dangerous. If this is what I have to do to bring MS Awareness into the spotlight, so be it!”
“I appreciate life more, but it still isn’t the same. But, just because you have MS doesn’t mean you have to stop living your dreams,” said Ray. “We all should appreciate life and live each day to the fullest no matter what our circumstances may be.”
To make a donation to support this worthy cause, visit Ray’s website at www.runningforacure.net, or mail to: Ray Sabbatini, c/o Running for a Cure, 205 Juneau St.,Horicon, WI. 53032. Also feel free to drop him a line and wish him well!
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