About 3 to 4 years ago, I was home stressed out to no end while trying to make sense of the results from my statistical analysis of my master's thesis. Im getting goosebumps just thinking about it. My roommate comes down and starts talking with me, trying to breathe some life back in me. All I remembered was that I just wanted to get as far away from NJ as possible. Then my roommate suddenly started talking about how he rode across the US twice already in his young adult life. I was definitely envious of his accomplishments. However, I quickly brushed it aside since I haven't rode a bike since I was 10 years old and I tend to get lazy at times. Plus, I needed to get back to my thesis. Then during the winter of 2010, I was trapped in my home by the massive amount of snow (by NJ standards), and I thought to myself, "what adventure should I take on next?" Then the stories of my roommate popped into my head. It was at that moment, I was committed to riding a bike across country. In my past travels, I have already driven across the US and took numerous road trips everywhere throughout the US, yet I always felt as if something was always lacking. I realized, that every time I took my road trips, I felt like I missed out on many things along the way to my destination. At the speed of a car, all I was thinking of was, "lets get to my next destination." What I realized was that there was so much to experience in between destinations that I was missing out on. I think with this trip, at the speed of a bike, I will fully immerse myself in all the missed experiences from my past travels. 

Now that story time is over, let me talk breify about myself and let you guys go back to your lives. I recieved my B.A. in psychology and a minor in Philosophy at Rutgers University. I also recieved my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Applied Psychology at Rowan University. I am currently provide individual, family, couples, and group therapy at an outpatient clinic in Camden County, NJ right outside of Philadelphia. Even though I have a limited experience on the bike since I've only started riding for a little over a year now, I have put some good miles on my bike. I think the most amazing thing about riding is that you can explore anywhere without any limitations and its just amazing to find all the small treasures that are hidden in our backyard. The only disadvantage is that when you get lost, its takes longer to find your way back but in my opinion, i feel like that gives you more time to explore. 

I am super excited about this opportunity to ride for Multiple Sclerosis. Quite honestly, I am very unfamiliar with this disease, yet, I did my research and it is a very devastating disease. Working with clients who have many phsyical limitations can be very taxing to any individual's life and their perspective on themselves and what they are capable of doing. I believe this is a great cause for not only to allow myself to be aware of this devastating disorder but allow my friends, family, and the general public to be aware of this as well. The more awareness we can raise, the greater likelihood of people making the conscious effort to provide change. So if you can make any donations at all, no matter how small, it will be greatly appreciated. You will be making a huge difference, either directly through the funds for research or allowing my team to raise awareness across the country (literally). Have a great day and take care.