For nearly two decades, Nancy Langen Steketee ’68 has been riding a bike to raise funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research and support. Now approaching 79, she continues to train despite past injuries, including a broken pelvis this year. “I train for this each year,” Nancy says.
Since 2008, Nancy has ridden for, and is the captain of, Team Joelle in the Bike MS City to Shore ride, which takes place at the end of September, 75 miles each way between Cherry Hill and Ocean City, N.J. The team is named for her cousin Joelle, who has battled MS for almost 30 years. “Joelle is not eager to be a poster child,” Nancy says, “so we keep it small—family and close friends.”
Nancy is also a member of the planning team that assists Bike MS staff in organizing the ride. In this role, she leads the volunteers who notify residents along the route in advance. “Some residents love it and cheer with cowbells—others just want to get to the store for milk,” she says, laughing.
Nancy finds the ride challenging, but exhilarating. “You’re riding with 4,000 of your best friends. People cheer you on, police stop traffic, and if you get a flat tire, the volunteer road crew will change it for you,” she says.
The New Jersey ride, one of many MS rides across the U.S., typically raises $4 million to $6 million. The event provides crucial funding for patient support, research, and new treatments. “When Joelle was diagnosed 30 years ago, there were only three injectable drugs,” Nancy recalls. “Now there are over 30 different treatments—including infusions and pills that have changed lives.”
The ride’s most breathtaking moment? “Crossing the bridge from Ocean City Island back to the mainland at sunrise on Sunday morning,” Nancy says.
She encourages others to get involved. For more information, go to events.nationalmssociety.org. As for her own future rides, “I believe I’m fending off Alzheimer’s by staying active,” she says. “I’ll be training hard this spring and summer, and hopefully I’ll do the 75 miles again this coming September.”
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