University of Portland senior Sam Bridgman is coordinating a bike ride to raise money for Friedreich's ataxia research. <\/p>\n
The Sept. 22 ride is the first in the Northwest and one of six Ride Ataxia events across the country to benefit the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. The nonprofit organization is working toward finding a cure for the rare, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. <\/p>\n
Bridgman says he hopes the ride will increase public awareness about the debilitating disease, which affects about one in 50,000 people -- including Bridgman -- in the United States. <\/p>\n
\"Because there is no treatment or cure,\" he says, \"it is essential that we fund research in order to find a cure, so that a lot of people out there will be able to live normal lives.\" <\/p>\n
The event has raised $18,326 so far, and organizers hope to raise at least $30,000. The cost is $20 ($25 if registering on the day of the race) for participants who can meet a $150 fundraising minimum by race day; $50 (or $55 if registering the day of the race) without a fundraising minimum. You can also help fund-raise for no additional fee as a \"virtual cyclist\" without participating in the event. <\/p>\n
Participants can choose from a flat, beginner-level six-mile route, or an intermediate route of either 12-, 25-, 37- or 50-mile lengths along Sauvie Island. <\/p>\n
A packet pickup will take place 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 21 at event sponsor Outback Steakhouse in Beaverton, and registration will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. All events will begin at Sauvie Island Academy, 14445 N.W. Charlton Road. All registered participants will receive a Ride Ataxia T-shirt, and Outback Steakhouse will provide lunch following the ride. <\/p>\n
The event is limited to the first 300 participants; same-day registration is available if space permits. Register at rideataxia.org\/portland. <\/p>\n
To read The Oregonian's earlier coverage of Bridgman and how the UP community has come to his aid, go to ORne.ws\/sam-bridgman. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
See more here: University of Portland senior Sam Bridgman is coordinating a bike ride to raise money for Friedreich's ataxia research. The Sept. 22 ride is the first in the Northwest and one of six Ride Ataxia events across the country to benefit the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. Continue reading
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