Bike MS Champions - Bud and Cindi Straumann

Bud and Cindi Straumann (Wildwood, Mo) were terrified when Cindi was diagnosed with MS in 1996.  They worried for their future.  Almost 17 years later, they no longer fear the worst and have great hope for what lies ahead. 

Q: Can you tell me about your diagnosis?

Cindi: I was diagnosed in December of 1996.  I was having traveling numbness and also vision problems off and on for about two years prior to the diagnosis. 

Q: When you were diagnosed, did you know what MS was?

Cindi: I was devastated.  The only person I knew, or thought I knew, with MS was a quadriplegic for the 30 years that I had known him.  Then, I started to talk about it and found a few people had MS that I didn’t even know had it.  It gave me hope.

Q: What were your fears related to MS?

Cindi: That the disease would progress rapidly and that I would be a burden to my husband and family.

Q: What are some of the ways your diagnosis has changed your life?

Cindi: It really took the wind out of my sail in the beginning.  I had trouble dealing with the uncertainty of not knowing what each day would bring.  I’m getting a little better, taking one day at a time.  I’m definitely much slower.  My small motor skills and balance are affected, but I manage with the help of a cane. 

Q: How did you respond to learning about your wife’s diagnosis?

Bud: We later admitted that while in bed the night of the diagnosis, she was thinking she didn’t want me to be burdened with taking care of her; I was thinking that I didn’t want to see her hurt.

Q: What does taking care of yourself entail?

Cindi: I was initially treated with steroids.  I then had to learn to inject the disease modifying drug.  That was about it for the first three years.  Over the next four years, I was hospitalized five times.  Then it stopped.  I wasn’t doing anything differently.  I still have weakness on my left side, but no actual exacerbations.  I still have to inject the disease modifying drug every other day, and I also take Ampyra to help with my walking. 

Q: What does being a caregiver mean to you and how do you support Cindi?

Bud: I’m her husband and best friend.  She’s a wonderful human being and very strong.  She makes it easy for me.  I think the biggest thing I do for her is give her space.  It’s also the hardest thing to do – balancing helping and supporting – without smothering her.

Q: What kind of positive things has MS brought to your life?

Cindi: First of all, it just reinforced how blessed I am to be married to Bud.  He has been absolutely wonderful and supportive.  It has been a lot for him to deal with.  I remember, once, in the beginning, I got upset with him about something.  He reminded me, “This is new to me too.”  It was a reminder to me that Bud and the whole family are affected by this disease. 

Second, I now realize how much other people, even strangers, want to help.  Whenever I have needed something at work, I don’t even have to ask.  The help is always there.

Bud: It was a wakeup call to me that she was the most important thing in the world to me – that she needed me more than ever – precisely what love is supposed to be.

Q: If you could tell people one thing about MS, what would it be and why?

Bud: We wish we didn’t have to deal with it, but it’s part of life.  I’ve seen first-hand how strong my wife is and how positive she is – always looking forward, being the best she can be.

Q: Bud, this will be your ninth year riding in Bike MS.  Why do you ride?

Bud: The first reason is selfish; it started as riding for my wife and to support the efforts to find a cure.  It continues because there’s a need and we want to help.

Before I started riding, we sponsored a friend I’d met through running.  Following the event, he sent a really touching letter.  I then told my wife that if anybody was going to ride for her, it would be me.

Q: Tell me about your team.  What makes Team Sirius special?

Bud: Team Sirius has welcomed us with open arms.  We’re people from all walks of life and people with varied athletic abilities.  We watch out for each other and encourage each other.

Q: Do you have any rituals or traditions that you do with your team every year?

Bud: My favorite part of the day is morning breakfast.  Dr. Susan is preparing breakfast burritos while everyone is gathering and preparing for the day’s ride.  It starts while dark out and I am inspired when the sun rises. 

Q: What did you expect from Bike MS and what did it prove to be?

Bud: To be honest, I was worried about finishing it.  Every year, it proves to be an inspiring weekend – meeting people and hearing stories of people who overcome!

Q: Why have you been riding so long?

Bud: I’ve learned that we’re lucky.  Many others haven’t been as lucky.  We’ve met so many beautiful people as a result of people affected by the disease, their families, and many others who care enough to participate. 

Q: How do you prepare for Bike MS?

Bud: I stay in shape by running year round.  I only ride about a dozen times a year.

Q: What is your best memory from your past involvement with Bike MS?

Bud: Having Cindi waiting at the finish line.  Sometimes, it’s too hot and she can’t attend.  It’s special when she’s waiting at the line.

Q: What would you say to encourage someone to get involved in Bike MS 2013?

Bud: Don’t be afraid.  It’s fun; not competitive.  You’ll meet great, inspiring people, hear inspiring stories, enjoy friends, and enjoy the outdoors.  The event is wonderfully supported with plenty of help on and off the course.