TEAN/I SPIRIT Shaker SWAT Teary, Citizens Police Academy Alumni use pedal power to help conquer multiple sclerosis Eight years ago, four cyclists led by Team Captain George Gelehrter, a gerontologist and Citizen Police Academy alumnus, biked 50 miles in sun and rain to raise money for multiple sclerosis (MS) r..ictims. As a fledgling team representing the Police Department, they raised $3,000, winning a Bronze Ar.vard for their efforts. Last year, ten cyclists upped the team's ante to 150 miles and raised $10,000, bringing their team total to over $50,000 since the first event. ttltts a great cause,tt said Commander Mike Schrvarber, r'r'ho cycles wdth his rvife Patty. "The disease is so prevalent that everv- one is touched by it somehoi,r.i We've had great support from the Citizens Police Academrl the Shaker 100, the police union ancl Police Department members. The lr'hole SWAT team helps with donations and fundraising; rve were one of the highest fundraising teams last year." Multiple sclerosis, which afflicts more than 250,000 Americans of all ages, is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease that attacks The SHPD SWAT Bike Team has raised $50,000 for multiple sclerosis research. Last year's team included: (Top, left to right) Commander Mike Schwarber, Paity Schwarber, Frank Holowach, George Gelehrter, Kyle Hamilton and David Gelehrter; (Front) Cpl. Ken Gozelanczyk and Lt. Jim Mariano. (Not pictured: Ptl. Brian Paul and Pam Williams). the central nervous system. The MS Bike Tour, that has so lar raised 6vg1 $45 million for research and treatment, is the largest organizecl crcling event in the country. Last yeaq nearl,v 80,000 o-clists participated. In its 1Sth year, Ohio's Bike Tour, rvhich r,r'inds a pastoral route lrom Berea Fairgrounds to the Sandusru'- fin- ishing point, is the largest in the state; this year's event is on August 21 and 22. To sponsor the team, call Lt. Mariano at 491-2535. - Felicit;,HiLL