What is Badges 4 MS?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often debilitating disease that attacks the body’s central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs; or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.


Approximately 600,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 more people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS affects about 2.5 million people.

“Badges 4 MS” is a group of Fire Fighters and Police Officers dedicated to fighting Multiple Sclerosis. Our mission is to raise as much money as possible to help in the ongoing battle against MS.

Badges 4 MS was started by Jamie Burks, a Republic, Missouri Police Officer, and Kent Grosse, a Fire Fighter from Lakewood, CO. Jamie and Kent met at the 2009 Nebraska MS 150. They share a similar story and motivation with MS. Jamie’s wife, Marie, and Kent’s wife, Meg, both have MS and are the inspiration for this joint endeavor. According to Kent, “At the time our wives were diagnosed, neither of us considered ourselves cyclists.”

Looking for some way to make a difference and having careers that require fitness, cycling seemed a natural fit. Jamie researched the national MS society rides and came up with the idea of riding in each of the 100 different MS 150 rides throughout America. Not wanting to be outdone by a Police Officer, Kent accepted the challenge. While riding together in the 2009 Colorado MS 150, Badges 4 MS was born.

All money donated to Badges 4 MS goes directly to the MS society. Each time Badges 4 MS rides in an MS 150, that chapter will receive a donation to help make a significant and positive impact in the lives of men, women and children living with multiple sclerosis.

Please help Badges 4 MS make a difference in the fight against MS!

Click the link below to donate directly to the National MS Society in the name of Badges 4 MS!
Donate Today!

San Antonio, TX: Valero Ride to the River

This was the final ride of 2010.  This route runs from San Antonio, TX to New Braunfels, TX and back. This route is a nice mix of flats and rolling hills with plenty of support and traffic control. Fun overnight in New Braunfels.  This ride has a unique finish as the only MS ride with an indoor finish. Day two finished with a ride into the Alamo Dome, very cool! 

Mid American Chapter: Kansas City Missouri Ride

This ride runs from Raymore, MO to Sedalia, MO and back. The route is well designed on rural roads that are well maintained and marked.  The highlight of this ride was meeting Rick Huse (pictured above) and hearing about his grandson Austin.  Rick said he wasn't "good at riding a bike but felt he wanted to do something". Yet another reminder why we have taken on this mission, how could you not be touched. Be strong Austin and we will look for you when we hit the Alabama ride.