Bike 4 MPS

MPS is an enzyme deficiency where the body is missing a critical enzyme, iduronidase, bringing along with it a variety of medical complications. Simon Ibell is a 23 year old SMUS graduate and soon to be University of Victoria graduate who has lived with Mucopolysacharridosis (MPS) his whole life and has recently tried to shed a positive light on MPS and its sufferers by developing his 'Bike 4 MPS' fundraising event.

Most recently, there has been some rapid advancement in medical technology, but there is not much awareness for MPS, which affects 1 in 125,000 children in Canada. These affected children often never live to see their tenth birthday. Simon would like to give these children a chance of an extended and better quality of life through enzyme replacement treatment. Since there is no drug on the market yet for individuals with MPS II, Hunter's Syndrome, Simon Ibell has made a point of raising MPS awareness and funds for researching a new enzyme replacement drug.

While living with MPS II, Hunter's Syndrome, his whole life Simon has never considering himself any different from anyone else. Living with MPS has taught Simon that life is precious and he believes everyone should follow these famous words of Gandhi: "Live everyday like it's your last, learn everyday like you will live forever." He tries and follows these sentiments all the time believing there is nothing holding him back from anything in this lifetime. Even though his time has come in relation to his growth spurts he wants to be able to help others have a chance at a better quality of life.

This research effort will take place in the form of a fundraiser this summer. Simon Ibell will be biking Vancouver Island with family and friends from Port Hardy to Mile Zero in Victoria. Already in the planning stages and gathering sponsors, 'Bike 4 MPS' will raise awareness up and down the island through community and school visits. During the trek, June 25 to July 5, 2002, Simon hopes to have as many people cycling as possible. This will help spread the word about MPS and encourage a better understanding of the MPS. All the proceeds will benefit MPS research and the Canadian MPS Society.

Please visit the soon to be released 'Bike 4 MPS' website www.bike4mps.org in the near future or contact us at bike4mps@hotmail.com.