e e r
F
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Scappoose woman to bike ride 50 states Originally published in The Chronicle Vol. 139 April 21, 2021 JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A Columbia County woman is preparing for an adventure of a lifetime to honor her husband and raise money and awareness for the NW Chapter of ALS. Following the passing of her husband, Scappoose resident Gary Garner, 55, from ALS on March 20, his wife Tami decided to launch a mission to ride her bike in 50 states, 50 rides, raising $50,000 for the NW Chapter of ALS. According to the Mayo Clinic, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in a limb, or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease. Tami’s first state ride is Oregon, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. May 1, at the
The Chronicle: Who will be with you on your ride, how will you support yourself and what is your final destination?
Banks-Vernonia Trailhead. The expected ride will be 10-14 miles on the BanksVernonia Trail. In the following conversation, Tami Garner provides insight into her journey. The Chronicle: Why did you decide that this bike ride would be a tribute to your husband and would be of value to the NW chapter of ALS?
Garner: I will be driving state-to-state alone. I like to drive and the alone time will give me time to process this transition without him. In each state, I will be joined by local ALS supporters, friends and families. We’ll social distance of course, but the connection will be there. I planned to finance this myself, but my friends and family set up a fund to help supplement the trip costs. My final destination is Hawaii, but I know in the meantime I will be driving state to state, then flying to Alaska. Our calendar is already up on the website and we’ve got the first month locked in. We’ll be confirming each state ride about a month in advance to make allowances for possible unexpected hang ups along the way to make sure we can be accountable. As for lodging, I’ve converted our handicap van to accommodate my bikes, supplies and a convertible bed. People around the country are already offering their
Tami Garner: Gary and I were avid recreational bikers, and had talked about riding in every state together as a couple. When he passed, I knew that I needed to do this in his honor, and thought that if I made it public that I was riding in his honor for ALS awareness, I might be able to bring together others who have been affected by the disease. The Pacific Northwest chapter was so incredibly supportive of us from the beginning diagnosis to the end with his passing, I felt this was a way to express my appreciation. When a person is diagnosed with ALS, basically the whole family is diagnosed with ALS. It’s a terrible time. There is no cure. Connection is such an important part of healing, and I want these people to know that they aren’t alone.
Gary and Tami Garner. Courtesy photos from Tami Garner
Tami Garner said she is cycling 50 miles a week to prepare for her journey.
See ALS Page A4
COVID COMMUNITY OUTREACH TESTING OHSU IS OFFERING COVID TESTING AT NO COST TO YOU!
Location: Columbia County Fairgrounds located at 58892 Saulser Road St. Helens, OR Dates: Wednesdays Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sign up: www.ohsu.edu/COVIDVans
SIGN UP TO GET YOUR TEST AT THIS LOCATION How do I get tested? - Go to URL to sign up for your timeslot. - Please carefully follow registration and scheduling instructions. What else do I need to know? - This is an outdoor testing event, so please dress for the weather. - Testing is for those older than 2 months. - If you tested positive before and do NOT have symptoms, you must wait 90+ days before getting another test. - COVID vaccine will not be provided at these events.
Contact The Chronicle and The Chief
Phone: 503-397-0116 Email: chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net Email: chiefnews@ countrymedia.net
Paid for by Brian Fawcett for Port Commissioner