Team Wanta Eliminate MS
www.wantaeliminatems.org
Biking to help fight, treat, and cure multiple sclerosis
Bob Wanta (503) 242-0908
Tyler Thessin (503) 297-7723
captain@wantaeliminatems.org
Who is Team Wanta?
Team Wanta Eliminate MS comprises an ever-growing What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that randomly attacks the
number of family and friends supporting the Multiple central nervous system often resulting in disabling symptoms
Sclerosis (MS) cause. such as numbness, paralysis, and blindness. MS is so
Our primary fundraising endeavor is the annual Oregon devastating because its progress, severity, and specific
symptoms are unpredictable and unique to each individual.
MS150 Bike Tour, a 2-day, 150-mile ride for MS. Several of
our friends have been cycling in MS150 Bike Tours across Recent research advances show promise and with increased
the country for over a decade, and in 1998, we recruited 15 support a cure is within sight. For more information, visit the
members to officially establish our team. National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) web site
(www.nationalmssociety.org ).
Additionally, many team members participate in a variety of
Including family and friends, the devastating effects of MS affect
other MS related support and fundraising activities including millions of people in the United States. Team Wanta rides in
the MS Walk and MS Auction. honor of all our family and friends and all of the unknown faces
affected by MS. Two such family members are siblings of our
Team Wanta Mission team captains.
To promote awareness and raise funds Dan Wanta (brother of co-captain Bob) was diagnosed in 1991
for research and programs to fight, treat, and cure with chronic progressive MS. In high school and college, he was
the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis an outstanding cross-country and long-distance runner. Since
1996, his symptoms have affected his sight and mobility.
What Have We Achieved? Jennifer Sneesby (sister of co-captain Tyler) learned of her
Since 1998, we have increased the annual funds raised by diagnosis in 1994. Also an active athlete in her pre-MS years,
her symptoms, although not apparent to those who don't know
Team Wanta as a percentage of the entire Oregon MS150 her well, continue to impact her life.
to 10-15% (during 2000-2002) from 4% (in 1998).
Through 2002, we quadrupled our team size to over 60
members (including volunteers) and raised $123,495!
Throughout the years, we earned honors for top fundraising
team twice (and runner-up twice more) and largest team
size three times (and runner-up twice more) demonstrating
our substantial commitment to the MS cause.
Our benefit to the MS cause reaches further than the funds
raised directly by our team. Our continued commitment and
results encourage competitive fundraising and recruiting by
other teams in their drive for top honors.
Since the arrival of Team Wanta, the total funds raised for Sponsorship
the top team and the entire Oregon MS150 increased 540% Team Wanta relies on sacrifices of our members and the
and 180% respectively (to $38,000 and $275,500 in 2002 generous support of their sponsors to pledge funds for MS
from $7,000 and $150,000 in 1998). (100% of pledges go directly to the NMSS Oregon Chapter).
Team Wanta Historical Fundraising Summary Visit our website (www.wantaeliminatems.org) to pledge your
Year Cyclists Year Total Cumulative Total support for the MS cause, to join Team Wanta, or for other
2002 58* $28,448† $123,495 information about Team Wanta.
2001 57* $31,257† $95,497
Additional Resources
2000 48* $35,532* $64,240 You can find additional MS and MS150 Bike Tour information
1999 30† $23,508* $28,708 at the following web sites:
1998 15† $5,200 $5,200
National MS Society www.nationalmssociety.org
* Indicates top honors, † indicates runner-up NMSS Oregon Chapter www.orcnmss.org