3rd Annual Regina’s Ride June 15 – 2024
On June 15, 2024, motorcycles and cars alike gathered at the VFW Hall in Hillsville, VA to participate in the 3rd Annual Regina’s Ride. The event was hosted by Karen and Eddie Walker, who previously served as group leaders of the Twin County Multiple Sclerosis Support Group and now hold the position of New River Valley Support Group Development Coordinators. The riders got to enjoy a beautiful day in the mountains of SW Virginia while also raising money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Regina Dalton, the creator of the Twin County MS Support Group, started the ride 14 years ago. Regina wanted to find a fun way to raise funds and awareness for MS, an invisible disease that often gets overlooked in underserved rural areas such as SW Virginia.
Regina passed away in 2021, but her memory lives on through Regina’s Ride. Karen Walker, who was team co-captain, has worked to ensure that the event continues. “We have 2 riders that have been with us since the beginning,” Karen explained. “The riders know that Regina fought hard in her battle with MS, and I keep it going to carry on her legacy.”
Regina’s Ride was a huge group effort. Karen thanked her Dad, family, and the MSAV. “A million thank yous will never be enough to say how much I appreciate my Faithful Friends and Family for always showing up to support me for the past 3 years,” she said.
The event was a success, with riders enjoying the scenic journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains while raising money for a worthy cause. Everyone is already looking forward to next year’s ride!
I never realized how much fun Poker Runs could be until I attended my first one….which happened to be this Poker Run. Having MS has led people to believe that we have to lay down and give up, but that’s far from the truth. I learned from my very first Poker Run that the people who make up our communities, our families, our friends & co workers actually care. They are here to help those with MS learn that we have so much more to live for in life and they are all here to support us. The feeling they give to us…to me…it’s worth more than all the gold in this world.
