Cycling Event Benefits Multiple Sclerosis Support Services [AUDIO]

More than 7,000 cyclists are expected for the annual Bike MS: City to Shore Ride, which gets underway next weekend in Cherry Hill.

What's so great about the Garden State? Tell us using the form at the bottom of this report.

The yearly event has been named as the "Best Cycling Getaway in NJ" by Bicycling Magazine.

Starting on September 28th, the scenic route begins in Cherry Hill, running 75 miles to Ocean City. Participants can then do the reverse route on September 29th. There are multiple options for how long people want to bike for and where they want to start from.

Ewing native Jessica Coe was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004, while she was in her junior year of college. She and her family began participating in the City to Shore event after her diagnosis. Jessica has ridden every year since, except for two occasions because of complications from her disease.

She said she sees more and more people turning out for it each year.

"It's a huge event. There's tons of people there, so I definitely think it has grown and grown in popularity," Coe said.

The money raised goes towards supporting programs, services, and research sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Coe says in addition to the great things the money will do, events like this allows an opportunity "to assure patients who have MS, including myself, that there are people that care out there, and there are things being done in the community."

A new program is being introduced at this year's ride called "I Ride with MS," which is designed to provide to support to cyclists with MS by offering cooling stations, neckwraps, and additional water stations.

"And that kind of helps just personalize the disease and connect them to the mission of the MS Society, and possibly, hopefully increasing fundraising efforts."

The ride is fully supported with catered rest stops, bike support and SAG transportation.

"Anybody that's interested in getting into biking, it's definitely a ride to do because it's fun, it's a great time, and obviously, it's for a great cause," she said.

Learn more about this great annual event by visiting the official website and Facebook page.

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Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

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The screenings will be held on Sept. 23, 24 and 25.  Men will get a digital rectal exam and a prostrate-specific antigen blood test.  According to the American Cancer Society, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.  For more information, visit them online.

Jersey Shore Autism Foundation

The Jersey Shore Autism Foundation is hosting a movie night fundraising event at West End Park in Long Branch on Sept. 20.  Madagascar 3 will be shown on a 16-inch movie screen.

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