Who Am I? My name is Christi Medice
I am sure many of you are wondering who I am and why am I doing this.
Well, I will be happy to answer this.
My name is Christi Medice. I was diagnosed with MS, July 1995. At the
time I was diagnosed, I was working as a firefighter/paramedic/instructor.
I retired from my position in the Hampton Fire and Rescue as a
Lieutenant in January 2005. Did I let MS get the best of me? I would say I
have not, however, have had my ups and downs.
It would be very easy to give up on the things I love the most....family, my
mother, who passed away recently, but she was the biggest supporter I
had, two children and a husband. I also have the support from my
immediate and married in family. They are all huge supporters to me and
pick up the slack when I am unable to keep up. I also have a love of
horses.
My best friend, since elementary school, lives on a farm and has horses.
While over on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, I went to visit her and her
family. We went riding and the conversation of fund raisers came up. We
decided to give the Gallop for a cure a try. After seeing all of the bike
rides, walks, runs and motorcycle rides that are done to raise money for
different causes, we decided to become "pioneers" at something that was
different. Well, the first annual event went so well, we are now getting
ready for the 2nd annual event! Everybody likes seeing a horse anyway,
so the concept was born. Thanks to Rose and Glen for all of the support
they have shown me!
When the decision was made to try this, I had been watching Montel
Williams. I also prayed about it and asked GOD if I was doing the right
thing. Well, long story short, I was placed at the right places at the right
time. I knew that this was something that needed to be done. After
speaking to the members of his foundation, there was no question who I
would send all donations to. The foundation does give 100% of
donations to organizations, which are working to find a cure for MS. You
can find a link to his web site on the gallopforacure page, at the bottom of
the page. Please take a look at the information they have!
Along the way, I have met so many wonderful people! The riders who
participated in the ride last year, have been wonderful! They must have
had a great time too, as they are signing up for this years event. I know
that the entry fee is higher this year, and some may think it is to high.
Remember why we are all doing this. MS research! I can't thank you all
enough for helping me with this cause!
I had to retire early and do miss my job, but I feel as if I have something,
as important, to work on. People do not realize how many individuals are
affected by this disease. As you have read, MS does not just affect the
adult population. It is also affecting our children. Now, if you are
wondering why I am doing this, the answer is...One day I am praying that
a cure is found. When I started working on this idea a year ago, I was like
everyone else. I had the persona that MS only affected adults, ages 28
and up. I knew that research would probably not help me, but I was
thinking about the others who would be diagnosed. My thought was, and
still is, that perhaps the newly diagnosed, will benefit from the research
currently being done. Now that MS is being found in ALL ages, I feel that
it is past time for all of us to step up and try to put a stop on this disease
NOW. Please help us, help others!
There have been so many times that I just wanted to give up, but feel
that this is a WONDERFUL CAUSE! The second annual ride is in full
planning stages! No, I did not give up, nor am I. I look forward to this
event to get bigger and better in the years to come, and with the help of
you, I know that this will be one of the best events ever!
Thank you for your time and consideration. As mentioned, a drop of
water alone does not amount to much, but when added together, great
things happen and OCEANS are formed!
I hope this letter gives you a better understanding about me. I will field
any calls, should you have any questions, or simply just want to talk.
Thank you
Christi Medice


If any of you are wondering who
I am, this is me, Christi Medice
with my husband Rick. OK, my
hair is much shorter now, but it
is still me.
At the event, you will notice that
4 of us have white polo shirts
with our names. We are the "GO
TO" people, if you should have
any questions or comments.
Stop by and say hello :)
This is John! I was asked if people
with MS could ride. Well, I guess
you know what my answer to that
question was. Of course we can
ride. We are just like any one else,
except we have a few MINOR
issues that we deal with. A positive
attitude carries me far! Plus, there
is documented PROOF that horse
riding helps so many! It is very
therapeutic! NO STRESS HERE!!
OK, it has been 3 years since the inception of "Gallop For A
Cure"! All I can say is WOW! Who would have figured that it is
still going on! We are now getting ready for the 2008 ride and I
am looking so forward to this event! I know that I would not have
been able to do this without the help of friends and the new
friends I have met along the way! THANK YOU! What can I say; I
am more excited about this ride, because people are actually
looking forward to it and it has continued to grow. We added 10
riders in 2007! I know we will add more this year and am
anxiously awaiting OCTOBER 18! Plus the fact that "Beauty" will
be joining us this year! If you did not see the page, 2008Gallop, I
now have a horse of my own. This was a LONG time coming and
I have had the chance to ride her once. She is a great ride. Very
smooth and comfortable.
I can not wait to see all of you at the ride. Thank you again for
your participation and help with making this a day to remember!
Christi