Trevor
says (9:30 AM):
How did you get involved with the MS movement?
Shemar
says (9:31 AM):
My mom was diagnosed with MS about nine years ago. She’s always been very strong. At first it was pretty scary to think about how living with such an unpredictable disease would impact our family, but she’s doing great.
Trevor
says (9:31 AM):
It says here you started showing support by riding a bike?
Shemar
says (9:32 AM):
I got involved with the Bike MS event. It’s a bike ride that raises funds and awareness for MS.
Trevor
says (9:32 AM):
Is it big?
Shemar
says (9:33 AM):
I think it’s the biggest in America. They do 100 different rides to benefit the National MS Society around the country.
Trevor
says (9:33 AM):
Gotcha. So you joined a team?
Shemar
says (9:33 AM):
There were a few crew members on Criminal Minds who are professional cyclists, John Hatchett and Greg St. John. They suggested getting a team together. We rode 100 miles in one day.
Trevor
says (9:34 AM):
Did any other cast members ride with you?
Shemar
says (9:34 AM):
Thomas Gibson joined me on the ride in 2006. And for the last two years, many of my terrific castmates have been my cheerleaders along the route, including Joe Mantegna, Mandy Patinkin, Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Kirsten Vangsness.
Trevor
says (9:35 AM):
How did it go?
Shemar
says (9:36 AM):
Absolutely. It’s also wonderful seeing how happy our effort makes my mom, and knowing that the same scene gets repeated all over the country. What’s also great is the support I’ve gotten from all of my co-stars for the ride—that means a lot.
Trevor
says (9:36 AM):
Do you still ride?
Shemar
says (9:37 AM):
Yes, I’ve done the past two years.
Trevor
says (9:37 AM):
What would you say to someone with a family member diagnosed with MS?
Shemar
says (9:37 AM):
Think about all the great things that person did for you and think about all the great things they still can do with the right support. If riding 100 miles helps that person and everyone else with MS, you’d do it—right?