Malmstrom master sergeant rides to raise awareness for MS

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff and Master Sgt. Tim Hezel
  • 341st Space Wing
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor said, "If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them ... we have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight." 

Two members of Team Malmstrom, Master Sgt. Tim Hezel, and his wife, Deborah, choose to fight. 

Seven years ago, Deborah was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; a disease that affects the central nervous system by attacking myelin, the substance that transmits electrical impulses between muscles and the brain. In the case of MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. 

Symptoms of MS can range from mild, such as numbness in limbs, to severe, such as paralysis or vision loss. The progression and severity of MS varies case-by-case and currently doctors cannot predict the path MS will take on a patient. However, agencies such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are working to change that by raising awareness and support for MS research. 

Enter Sergeant Hezel and the ConocoPhillips MS Bike Tour. 

"The MS bike tour is an event I'm doing in honor of Deb and to raise money to fight this debilitating disease," said Sergeant Hezel, the Malmstrom Air Force Base career assistance advisor. "Not only do we want to help raise money for research and services, but we want people to be more aware of MS and this is one way Deb and I can do that ... and besides, I like to ride." 

Sergeant Hezel and more than 130 others will bike from Billings to Red Lodge Sept. 8 and back to Billings the following the day. Proceeds from the ride will go to the Montana Chapter of the NMSS. In 2006, the Montana Chapter provided more than $113 thousand to programs services direct financial assistance directly benefiting 1600 MS patients and their families. 

"I am hopeful that new treatments that will reverse to damage will be available in the next few years," said Deborah. "I just wish I could be out there riding myself, but I am definitely there in spirit and prayer." 

Sergeant Hezel and Deborah have been married for 23 years, have four children and have traveled the world serving at duty stations in Turkey, Korea, Germany, Texas and North Dakota. The family has supported each member every step of the way. 

"My goal is to raise $1,500 for the event," said Sergeant Hezel, who has been a serious rider since 2001. 

"This is my second year participating, it is a wonderful chance to participate in an event like this," said the sergeant, "When I was stationed in Europe, I was fortunate to ride with a great group and we rode all over the place. One of my greatest feats was riding up L'Alpe d'Huez just before returning to the US." 

For the non-rider, L'Alpe d'Huez is arguably the most famous climb in cycling and a staple in the Tour de France. In order to prepare for the MS ride, Sergeant Hezel has been doing 60- to 70-mile rides on weekends. All of the time and miles are worth it. 

"Money for research and services is greatly needed," added Sergeant Hezel. "If people would like to sponsor me in the ride or donate to MS research they can email me at hezels@gmail.com or contact me at 731-4766." 

To learn more about MS and how you can help, visit www.nationalmssociety.org.